Ferran Torres scored a dramatic extra-time winner as Spain defeated holders Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup on Sunday and shatter Lionel Messi's dreams of a triumphant farewell to football's greatest stage. Barcelona striker Torres lashed home a thumping finish in the 106th minute to reward a dominant display by Spain against an Argentina team who failed to register a single shot on target in 120 minutes.
A star-studded crowd of 80,663 that included US President Donald Trump packed East Rutherford's MetLife Stadium to see if Argentina captain Messi could crown his glittering career with a second World Cup victory. But the 39-year-old maestro -- almost certainly playing in his final World Cup game -- was reduced to irrelevance as Spain took control early on against an Argentina team who committed cynical fouls throughout.
The South Americans' skulduggery ended with midfielder Enzo Fernandez being sent off after a brutal challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi in stoppage time. For long periods though it looked as if Argentina may somehow hold on for a penalty shoot-out as Spain struggled to make the breakthrough.
But after Nico Williams had a goal controversially disallowed in extra-time, Spain struck. A lofted cross to the back post by Pedro Porro found Williams who nodded into the path of Torres to crash home the goal that clinched Spain's second World Cup title after their maiden 2010 triumph.
There were ugly scenes after the final whistle as Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes triggered a melee by grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia around the throat in a skirmish that saw Spanish substitute Gavi thrown to the floor. Messi meanwhile was seen with tears streaming down his face after receiving his runners-up medal in a ceremony headed by Trump -- who was subjected to deafening boos and catcalls as he walked onto the pitch alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
