Lionel Messi's 2026 World Cup Final Loss to Spain

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final was played on 19 July at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Spain defeated Argentina 1‑0 after extra time when substitute forward Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi, 39, led his side in what is likely his last World Cup appearance. Earlier in the tournament he became the oldest player to record a hat‑trick and briefly matched Miroslav Klose’s all‑time World Cup goal tally. In the final, midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off before extra time, leaving Argentina with ten men. Messi was seen in tears after the final whistle, marking the end of his quest to retain the title.

The match concluded Spain’s second World Cup triumph, while Messi’s legacy was celebrated for his record‑breaking performances and his role in Argentina’s historic run.