Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, praised his players for achieving what he termed their “It was written, and we deserve it,” by clinching a second World Cup title against a depleted Argentine side.
The defending champions struggled throughout the match, yet it wasn’t until the latter stages of extra time that Spain broke the deadlock, thanks to substitute Ferran Torres. Earlier, Nico Williams had a goal ruled out during the first half of extra time, while Enzo Fernández was sent off in the 93rd minute, becoming the sixth player ejected in a World Cup final.
Despite mounting attempts to level the score after Torres’ goal, Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, could not deliver. Messi’s inability to score meant he finished the tournament with eight goals, preventing Argentina from becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the title. Kylian Mbappé, on the other hand, secured his second Golden Boot with ten goals throughout the tournament.
Spain’s resolute defense played a crucial role, as De la Fuente’s squad conceded just a single goal across eight matches, leading to Unai Simón receiving the best goalkeeper accolade, while Pau Cubarsí was recognized as the tournament’s best young player. Additionally, Manchester City’s Rodri was awarded the Golden Ball.
“This team and this wonderful fanbase deserve everything. We had a date with destiny and we wanted to make it count. “The players have asked me what we have left to win. Together we’ve figured out that it’s the next match in September [against England in the Nations League] because this team is tireless.” expressed an elated De la Fuente, who previously led Spain to European championships at the under-19, under-21, and senior levels. “It’s for 47 million people. I want to grab the cup and squeeze it. In the end, when you’ve got Messi on the opposing team, you do get a bit nervous, but we always try to play our own game.”
“It hurts my soul. I’m sorry,”
While Álex Baena and Marc Cucurella are planning to commemorate Spain’s victory with tattoos, 65-year-old De la Fuente, now the oldest manager to win a World Cup, stated he would not be joining them. “I have to be honest and say that I have to take time and think about the future, because I’m not sure this kind of group can be assembled again.” he remarked.
Torres, who mirrored Andrés Iniesta’s extra-time goal in Spain’s 2010 victory against the Netherlands, found it surreal to have scored the decisive goal.
“At 39 years old, it’s an incredible thing. He is going to play as long as he wants. He’s the best player to ever set foot on a field. What he did in this World Cup is incredible.” the Barcelona forward stated. “It’s for 47 million people. I want to grab the cup and squeeze it. In the end, when you’ve got Messi on the opposing team, you do get a bit nervous, but we always try to play our own game.”
Post-match, tensions flared when Leandro Paredes confronted Eric García and allegedly struck Gavi while he was on the ground, resulting in a red card from the Slovenian referee. Argentina’s players then turned their backs as Rodri was awarded the trophy by US President Donald Trump.
Argentina’s manager, Lionel Scaloni, who had led the team to victory over France in the 2022 final, became emotional during his post-match comments and did not confirm his future with the team as his contract approaches its end.
“It hurts my soul. I’m sorry,” he admitted. “I have to be honest and say that I have to take time and think about the future, because I’m not sure this kind of group can be assembled again.”
When asked about Messi’s potential retirement, Scaloni remarked.
“At 39 years old, it’s an incredible thing. He is going to play as long as he wants. He’s the best player to ever set foot on a field. What he did in this World Cup is incredible.”
