The final whistle had barely echoed before a flash of tension rippled across the Lusail Stadium, where Argentina and Spain collided in a World Cup final that would be remembered for more than just the scoreline.
A late hero
Ferran Torres, introduced as a late substitute, seized the moment with a precise finish that broke the deadlock in the 116th minute, handing Spain a 1‑0 victory and a second world championship.
Controversy erupts
The goal sparked jubilant scenes among the Spanish bench, with substitutes flooding the pitch, while Argentine players, including midfielder Leandro Paredes, reacted with frustration, culminating in a brief brawl that saw Paredes shove Gavi to the ground.
Veteran coach Lionel Scaloni stepped in to de‑escalate the situation, urging calm as officials restored order, though the incident added a sour footnote to an otherwise enthralling match. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez’s dismissal in stoppage time further compounded Argentina’s woes, but the Spanish side held firm, celebrating a triumph that underscored their resilience and tactical acumen.