Ferran Torres struck in the 106th minute to give Spain a 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina in Sunday's World Cup final, securing the country's second men's title. The match at MetLife Stadium turned bad-tempered late, with Argentina reduced to 10 players after Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card and red for a reckless foul on Pau Cubarsi in second-half stoppage time.

Torres, who entered as a 62nd-minute substitute for Mikel Oyarzabal, converted from close range after Nico Williams headed a Pedro Porro cross into his path.

"The goal belonged to 47 million people," said Torres. "It wasn't just mine or the 26 players. Destiny was written, and it was meant for us to win far away from our people."

Spain dominated the match statistically, holding a 1.94 to 0.17 edge in expected goals and out-shooting Argentina 12 shots on target to zero. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez finished with 11 saves, the most ever recorded in a World Cup final, keeping the match scoreless until extra time. Argentina did not register its first shot until Lionel Messi had an attempt blocked in the 117th minute.

Messi, 39, became the first player to start three World Cup finals and the oldest outfield player to start one. He finished the tournament with eight goals, one behind France's Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot, likely closing his World Cup career with 21 total goals.

Messi struggled to hold back tears after receiving his runner-up medal.

"I feel sad," said Messi. "They were better, to be honest."

Argentina had entered the match seeking to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cups. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni reflected on the loss with pride in his team's overall run.

"I feel sadness but knowing that we left everything out there," said Scaloni. "They were better, that's the truth. But I'll cherish on to an enormous memory of this group and what they've done, of what it's worth to get this far."

Spain claimed its first World Cup title since defeating the Netherlands in the 2010 final, conceding just one goal across the tournament, the fewest ever by a champion despite playing a tournament-high eight matches.

Torres addressed the pressure of facing Messi throughout the match.

"When you have Messi on the other side, well, you are nervous," said Torres. "At the end of the day, we always depended on us. We always come up with our football, and we showed it again."

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, 65, became the oldest coach to win a World Cup title.

"We are world champions," said de la Fuente. "It was together we reached this stage. I feel pride, to be honest. Accompanying my players on this journey is an honor."

The victory extended Spain's unbeaten run to 38 matches across all competitions, breaking a tie with Italy's 2018-21 streak for the longest in men's international soccer history. Spain also became just the third reigning European champion to win a World Cup, joining Spain's own 2008-10 side and West Germany's 1972-74 squad.

De la Fuente shared a lighthearted exchange with his players after the match regarding what comes next.

"Once we finished the game, I had a group of footballers who said, 'Coach, what else is there to win, we have won everything, in every category?'" said de la Fuente. "We came to the conclusion that what remains is the next match in September [against England at Wembley] because this team is relentless."