From The Sports Desk: Spain are world champions

World CupFrom The Sports Desk: Spain are world championsSpain (eventually) overpowered a belligerent Argentina, which seemed more comfortable disrupting the game than winning it. Spain celebrates the team’s victory following during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match against Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, NJ.Carl Recine / Getty ImagesShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJuly 20, 2026, 11:02 AM EDTBy Mark HodgeAn extra-time goal by Ferran Torres gave the Spaniards their second world title and the first since 2010. As for Lionel Messi, the legend failed to influence the game and bowed out of the tournament with a silver medal. But will this be his last World Cup appearance?Subscribe to read this story ad-freeGet unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.World Cup finalSpain dominated Argentina to win a one-sided World Cup final in which even Lionel Messi struggled to make an impact.The Spanish players were crowned champions for the second time after Ferran Torres netted his first goal of the tournament in the first half of extra-time to secure a 1-0 victory.“It was a goal scored by 47 million people,” Torres said, referring to Spain’s population.But this was by no means a classic contest. Argentina has been criticized for its physical approach to the game, which saw them fail to register a single shot on target.The defending champions managed to hold Spain to a draw in the regulation 90 minutes, which ended with combative midfielder Enzo Fernandez being sent off after a reckless challenge in injury time.Tempers flared after the dismissal and again at the final whistle, with players from both sides and Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni involved in a heated confrontation.In the end, Spain denied Messi a second consecutive World Cup title in what the 39-year-old has indicated will be the final World Cup appearance of his career. Lionel Messi after the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argen...