Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, praised his players for achieving what he termed “It was written, and we deserve it,” by securing their second World Cup title against a 10-man Argentina.
Despite being outplayed for much of the match, Spain finally broke the deadlock during the second half of extra time, thanks to substitute Ferran Torres. Earlier, Nico Williams had a goal ruled out in the first half of extra time, while Enzo Fernández became the sixth player and third from Argentina to receive a red card in a World Cup final after being shown a second yellow in the 93rd minute.
Argentina had opportunities to equalize after Torres scored, but Lionel Messi, who had been pivotal for his team throughout the tournament, could not lead them to become the first back-to-back champions since Brazil in 1962. His inability to add to his tally of eight goals marks what is likely to be the 39-year-old’s last World Cup, allowing Kylian Mbappé to clinch his second Golden Boot with a total of 10 goals.
Spain’s formidable defense was a key factor in their success, conceding only one goal in eight matches, leading to Unai Simón being awarded the best goalkeeper, while 19-year-old Pau Cubarsí was recognized as the tournament’s best young player. Rodri, a midfielder for Manchester City, was honored with 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 a thrilled De la Fuente, who has previously guided Spain to European titles at various 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.”
The coach also noted, “It hurts my soul. I’m sorry,”
While players Álex Baena and Marc Cucurella plan to commemorate their victory with tattoos, the 65-year-old De la Fuente, who made history as the oldest coach to win the World Cup, dismissed the idea for himself, stating, “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.”
Torres, who mirrored Andrés Iniesta’s extra-time winner in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands, struggled to comprehend the significance of his achievement. “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 remarked. “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 appeared to punch Gavi while he was down, leading to a red card from the Slovenian referee. Argentina’s players turned their backs on Rodri when he received the trophy from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Argentina’s manager, Lionel Scaloni, who led the team to victory over France in the 2022 final, was visibly emotional during the press conference, choosing not to confirm his future as his contract nears its end this year. “It hurts my soul. I’m sorry,” he said. “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, he replied, “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.”
