Spanish players created one of the defining moments of sportsmanship by forming a guard of honor for Spain after winning the 2026 World Cup Lionel Messi Argentina finished second after the final at MetLife Stadium. Shortly after the 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina, several Spanish players were the first to walk across the pitch to hug and comfort Messi, whose hopes of leading his country to a second consecutive World Cup title were dashed. The Barcelona legend struggled to make his mark against Spain’s disciplined defence, and after the final whistle he collapsed on the turf and stared into the distance, realizing the enormity of defeat. At the beginning of the award ceremony, Spain’s newly crowned world champions lined up to form a guard of honor for the Argentine players on the podium. Messi led his teammates, trying to smile but unable to hide his disappointment as he walked through the ranks of applauding opponents. Several Spanish players patted him gently on the back and chest in a touching show of respect for one of football’s greatest icons. The thrilling scenes came after Spain ended Argentina’s reign as world champions with a hard-fought victory. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal just 37 seconds into the second overtime, assisted by Nico Williams, to help Spain win its second World Cup title. For Messi, the defeat marked the end of his two-time World Cup triumph. Twenty years after his World Cup debut, the 39-year-old has failed to inspire Argentina to become the first country in more than 50 years to successfully defend the trophy. After the final, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni paid tribute to his captain. “I hope everyone is proud of him and what he has achieved because he is the best footballer to ever step onto the pitch,” Scaloni said. Spain’s victory was based on total control throughout the game. Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated possession, beating Argentina 845-433 and finishing with a 20-2 shot advantage, the second-largest shot differential recorded in a World Cup final since counting began in 1966, according to Opta. The European champions also completed a remarkable campaign, conceding just once in eight games while extending their European unbeaten run to 38 games. Messi, playing a record 34th game in six World Cups, was not delighted against Spain’s organized defence. He touched the ball just 15 times in the first half and 54 in total, rarely receiving the ball in dangerous areas. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente later revealed the team’s clear goals. “The first thought was to stop Messi,” he said. As Spain lifted the World Cup trophy in celebration and the air filled with golden confetti, Messi quietly left the field wearing his silver medal, shoulders slumped as another unforgettable chapter of one of football’s greatest careers came to a painful end.
