Spanish Armada Conquers The World: See How Yamal And Co. Wrote The Final Chapter Of Messi's Dream
Spain Vs Argentina Final Match Gallery, FIFA World Cup 2026: The European giants ended a 16-year wait for the global title with a 1-0 victory over defending champions. After relentless pressing, substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute. Luis de la Fuente's ensemble dominated proceedings throughout, anchored by the brilliance of 19-year-old winger Lamine Yamal, even though Emiliano Martinez's heroics and the Albiceleste defence threatened to force the contest beyond ET. Eventually, Enzo Fernández's red card proved pivotal as La Roja secured their second World Cup title and ended Argentina's reign. Torres was named the Player of the Match, while teammates Rodri and Pau Cubarsi claimed the Golden Ball and Best Young Player honours, with Unai Simon getting the Golden Glove. For the three-time winners, it proved to be a swansong of sorts for many who had lifted the trophy four years ago, including legendary Lionel Messi. See the best ESP vs ARG photos here:
Spain fans gather for a rally on the eve of the World Cup final soccer match in New York's Times Square, Saturday, July 18, 2026 (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Fans arrive for the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Argentina fans gather for a rally on the eve of the World Cup final soccer match in New York's Times Square, Saturday, July 18, 2026 (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Spain fans gather for a rally on the eve of the World Cup final soccer match in New York's Times Square, Saturday, July 18, 2026 (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Argentina fans gather for a rally on the eve of the World Cup final soccer match in New York's Time Square, Saturday, July 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Argentina's Nicolas Otamendi arrives for the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
Argentina's Lionel Messi arrives for the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
Argentina's Lionel Messi stretches with teammate Rodrigo De Paul, right, during warmup before the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Argentina's Lionel Messi waves to the stands during warmup before the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Former Spanish soccer player Andres Iniesta hold up the FIFA trophy before the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
President Donald J. Trump stands with FIFA President Gianni Infantino before the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Argentina and Spain take the field prior to the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Argentina and Spain stand for the national anthems before the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Argentina players line up during the national anthem before the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Argentina players pose before the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Spain players huddle before the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) looks on before the start of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) runs with the ball during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Argentina's Gonzalo Montiel (4) and Spain's Alex Baena (15) react after a fall during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Spain's Lamine Yamal (19) kicks the ball during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Spain's Rodri, left, vies for the ball with Argentina's Enzo Fernandez during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Argentina's Alexis Mac Allister, right, tries to tackle Spain's Dani Olmo during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez (23) makes a save during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Argentina's Enzo Fernandez (24) and Spain's Fabian Ruiz (8) go for a header during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Argentina's Nico Gonzalez (15) challenges for the ball with Spain's Pedro Porro (12) during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Argentina's Nicolas Tagliafico, right, fights for the ball with Spain's Lamine Yamal during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Argentina's Nico Gonzalez (15) jumps for the ball with Spain's Pedro Porro (12) during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Argentina's Enzo Fernandez speaks to Referee Slavko Vincic, of Slovenia, during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Spain's Lamine Yamal (19) sits on the ground during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Spain's Victor Munoz (25) in action in front of Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Spain's Alex Baena helps Argentina's Lionel Messi get back on his feet after a foul during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Argentina's Lisandro Martinez reacts when leaving the pitch after getting injured during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Argentina's Enzo Fernandez (24), Argentina's Lionel Messi (10), and Argentina's Cristian Romero (13) walk off the pitch at halftime during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
South Korean boy band BTS perform during the halftime show of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
BTS performs during the halftime show of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
Shakira performs at halftime of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Dancers perform during the halftime shoof the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dancers perform during the halftime shoow at the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Shakira performs during halftime during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Justin Bieber performs at halftime during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Former Brazil soccer players Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, right, watch the halftime show during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
Fans watch the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and Spain in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)
Spain's Aymeric Laporte tries to tackle Argentina's Gonzalo Montiel during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Spain's Lamine Yamal (19) controls the ball as Argentina's Alexis Mac Allister (20) tries to stop him during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) walks on the pitch during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Spain's Aymeric Laporte (14) tackles Argentina's Gonzalo Montiel (4) during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Referee Slavko Vincic, left, gestures as Argentina's Leandro Paredes (5) reacts and Spain's Pedro Porro (12) lies on the ground during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
Spain's Ferran Torres (7) reacts after taking a shot as Argentina's Nicolas Tagliafico (3) walks past during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Spain's Alex Baena (15) and Argentina's Enzo Fernandez (24) battle for the ball during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
Spain's Pau Cubarsi (22) leaps in the air after he is fouled by Argentina's Enzo Fernandez (24) during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Referee Slavko Vincic, of Slovenia shows the yellow card to Argentina's Enzo Fernandez (24) during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Argentina's Enzo Fernandez (24), center, receives yellow card from the referee Slavko Vincic during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Argentina's Enzo Fernandez (24) applauds Referee Slavko Vincic, of Slovenia after receiving a yellow card during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Referee Slavko Vincic, of Slovenia shows a red card to Argentina's Enzo Fernandez (24) during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Argentina's Enzo Fernandez (24) leaves the field after a red card during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Argentina's Enzo Fernandez leaves the match after receiving a red card during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez (23) makes a save against Spain's Nico Williams (17) during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) reacts after heading the ball during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Spain's Ferran Torres (7) scores their first goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Spain's Ferran Torres scores their first goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Spain's Ferran Torres celebrates scoring their first goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
Spain's Ferran Torres (7) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of his team during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Spain's Ferran Torres (7) celebrates scoring their first goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Spain's Ferran Torres (7) celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Spain's Ferran Torres (7) scores their first goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Spain's Ferran Torres (7) celebrates scoring their first goal with Spain's Lamine Yamal during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) kicks a corner watched by Spain's Lamine Yamal during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
Argentina's Giuliano Simeone (17) is dejected as Spain's Ferran Torres (7) celebrates at the end of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts at the end of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts at the end of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) reacts during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Spain's Lamine Yamal (19) shakes hands with Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) after Spain's victory in the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Spain's Lamine Yamal (19) and Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) embrace after during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Spain celebrates with the trophy after the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Spain celebrates with the trophy after the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Spain's Rodri (16) kisses the winners' trophy as he celebrates with teammates after their win in the World Cup final soccer match against Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Spain's Ferran Torres celebrates with the trophy after winning the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Spain's Ferran Torres (7) kisses the trophy after the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Spain's Lamine Yamal celebrates with the trophy after winning the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Spain's Lamine Yamal, holding trophy, and the team celebrate their win in the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Spain's Lamine Yamal gestures, wearing his medal, after winning the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) walks between Spain players during the medal ceremony after the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) walks through Spanish players during medal ceremony after the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts after losing to Spain in the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) reacts after losing to Spain in the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) leaves the stage after their loss in the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) reacts after losing to Spain in the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) reacts after losing to Spain in the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) and teammates leave the field after the presentation ceremony following their loss against Spain in the World Cup final soccer match in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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