Spain beat Argentina in extra time as Messi gets 3/10 in final ratings

Ferran Torres came off the bench and settled the 2026 World Cup final in the 106th minute, giving Spain a 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina, according to ESPN.

ESPN’s match coverage said Torres finished from close range after Nico Williams kept a deep cross alive, finally beating Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez after a long night of Spanish pressure. Torres later put the ball in again on a breakaway, but that effort was ruled out for offside.

The numbers told the story of Spain’s control. ESPN reported that Argentina did not record a shot until extra time, with their first attempt arriving in the 118th minute. Argentina also had no touches in Spain’s box in the first half and managed only two passes in Spain’s attacking third during the opening half hour, according to the report.

Spain had the ball, the territory and most of the chances, while Argentina spent long spells chasing and defending. ESPN said Martínez made 11 saves and was Argentina’s standout performer, receiving a 9/10 in its player ratings despite being beaten by Torres’ winner.

Messi kept quiet

Lionel Messi was given a 3/10 by ESPN after a subdued final for the Argentina captain. The outlet said he had only one touch in the first 15 minutes and could not get himself into the match.

Julián Álvarez also received a 3/10, with ESPN noting that the forward saw little of the ball in dangerous areas. Enzo Fernández was rated 2/10 after being sent off in injury time for a challenge ESPN described as reckless, leaving Argentina under even more pressure late on.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was also marked 3/10. ESPN said his side appeared willing to give Spain possession, and that his substitutions did not improve Argentina’s attacking threat.

Spain’s subs changed the night

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente earned an 8/10 from ESPN, with the outlet pointing to his control of the match and the decisive call to introduce Torres in the second half. Torres replaced Mikel Oyarzabal in the 62nd minute and later scored his 25th international goal, according to ESPN.

Nico Williams, another Spain substitute, received an 8/10. ESPN credited him with adding pace late in the match, testing Argentina from distance, seeing a goal disallowed for a foul in the buildup and assisting the winner by heading the ball back into play.

Rodri was rated 8/10 for directing Spain’s midfield and protecting the back line before being substituted late. Pau Cubarsí, 19, also received an 8/10, with ESPN saying he played with authority and was named Young Player of the Tournament.

Unai Simón had little to do in Spain’s goal. ESPN rated him 6/10 and said he did not have a save to make, though he came far off his line early to stop Messi from reaching an Álvarez through ball.

For Argentina, Martínez’s 9/10 was the clear high mark. Cristian Romero and Nicolás Tagliafico each received 7/10, while Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Nico González and several substitutes were marked down as Spain’s pressure took over.

This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.