Spain vs Argentina LIVE: Spain celebrate World Cup final triumph after Ferran Torres hits winner against ten-man Argentina
The champions of Europe meet the champions of South America in New York/New Jersey
Welcome to FourFourTwo’s live coverage of the biggest game on Earth. We are at the New York/New Jersey Stadium for a historic, mouthwatering clash of titans as Spain face off against defending world champions Argentina.
Can Lionel Messi guide La Albiceleste to back-to-back world titles and secure a historic fourth crown? Or will Spain's generational prodigy Lamine Yamal lead La Roja to their second-ever World Cup trophy?
Spain have been ruthless on their road to New Jersey, boasting the tournament's meanest defense behind the masterful Rodri who looks back to his Ballon d'Or best. But Argentina have proven they simply do not know when they are beaten, snatching a dramatic, Messi-inspired 2-1 win against England in the semi-finals, under their new guise as the comeback kings of the world.
Welcome!
Did you leave your football socks out for Soccer Claus last night? Meat and potato pie and an $11 beer under the World Cup tree?
The big day is upon us: the World Cup final.
Introducing first, in the blue corner: the reigning, defending, undisputed football champions of the world: Argentina.
And in the red corner, the challengers: former one-time World Cup winners and reigning European champions, Spain.
Massive game ahead. As big as it gets.
The scene
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey is our venue for this one.
This is the first time either side will have played at this stadium this summer.
There's maaaaassive queues for the media to get in today, which has not been the case at other games at this tournament - and by that we mean two hours if you're lucky, potentially up to four. Secret Service security checks, apparently. Can't imagine why.
Hopefully the fans in attendance won't have anything like those issues.
Spain's route to the final
Spain were tipped to do well this summer, of course, having been by far the best side and deserved winners at the Euros two years ago.
Luis de la Fuente's side kicked off with one of the most memorable games of the tournament as they were held to a goalless draw by debutants Cape Verde - and that game may well have contributed to Spain going under the radar a bit over the following few weeks.
Aside from their 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia in their second group game, Spain have built their run on being largely unspectacular but extremely well-drilled and extremely competent.
Spain made sure of topping the group with a 1-0 win over Uruguay before beating Austria 3-0 in the round of 32 and claiming a last-minute victory over Portugal in the round of 16.
Belgium remain the only side to have scored against Spain at this World Cup - well done, Charles De Ketelaere - but once again it was Mikel Merino who settled the tie late on in a 2-1 victory in the quarter-finals.
France were widely expected to beat Spain in the semi-finals, but Mikel Oyarzabal's third game of the tournament put them ahead before Pedro Perro made it 2-0 in a game Spain had complete control over throughout.
Argentina's route to the final
Argentina have had a much more dramatic time of it, on the whole.
The group stage was a breeze for them, with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan all seen off with minimal fuss, largely thanks to a series of inspired Lionel Messi displays.
Since then, though? It's got a bit ridiculous.
Cape Verde came from behind both in normal time and in extra time in a sensational game in the round of 32, with an own goal eventually giving Argentina a 3-2 victory.
Egypt went two goals up and looked set to make it through the round of 16 with Lionel Messi also missing a penalty, but roared back in the final 11 minutes to claim another 3-2 win.
Lionel Scaloni's side were second-best for much of their quarter-final meeting with Switzerland, offering very little after going ahead early on through an Alexis Mac Allister header off Messi's corner. But a red card for Swiss Breel Embolo just after his side had equalised turned the game, with Argentina scoring twice in extra time to win 3-1.
And there was yet more resilience required against England in the semi-finals after Anthony Gordon's goal ten minutes into the second half saw them fall behind - only for Thomas Tuchel's absolutely cowardly and pathetic substitutions to allow Argentina to keep applying the pressure and come back to claim a 2-1 win in the final five minutes plus stoppage time.
The race for the Golden Boot
As well as the World Cup trophy, Lionel Messi could have his eye on this year's golden boot.
He's going to have to get at least two goals and maybe an assist to win it this year, though.
Kylian Mbappe's brace against England took him to 10 goals this summer, with Messi currently on 8.
Unless he went off inside 57 minutes, even two goals from Messi would not be enough on their own to earn him the Golden Boot ahead of Mbappe.
That's because the first tiebreaker is assists - and both Messi and Mbappe have four of them.
If both goals and assists finish honours even, then it comes down to goals per minute - and again, Mbappe would hold the advantage, largely thanks to Argentina having played two lots of extra time at this tournament.
So...Messi needs two goals and an assist, or a hat-trick, to get the Golden Boot this year.
Either way, we are guaranteed to have the highest-scoring Golden Boot winner since Gerd Muller hit ten in 1970.
Incidentally, Mbappe is now also ahead of Messi for all-time goals scored at World Cups, too: the Frenchman is on 22, with Messi on 21.
The referee
46-year-old Slovenian Slavko Vincic has been handed the highest honour a referee can earn: taking charge of a World Cup final.
He said: “So, first of all, a shock. Then happiness. I was shaking, so it’s an incredible honour to get the World Cup final.
“It’s something that… it’s only a dream for a referee, for a young referee when they start. So, I’m very proud, very proud of myself, my team.
“It’s very difficult to put everything into words, but I’m very proud to represent my country, Slovenia, in the biggest sporting event in the world. So, yeah, I’m very proud. My team is very proud and we will do our best.”
This is Vincic's fourth game of the tournament: he also oversaw Brazil vs Morocco and Jordan vs Algeria in the group stage, as well as Mexico vs Ecuador in the round of 32.
Vincic also refereed the 2022 Europa League final, where Eintracht Frankfurt beat Rangers on penalties, and the 2024 Champions League final, where Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund.
The teams are in the building
The US president's presence at this game has meant those massive queues, with both TSA and the Secret Service handling security and causing waits of at least two hours to get into the stadium. Seems like a great setup all round.
But the teams are in the stadium, at least. Spain have taken a little wander around the pitch to check out the surface.
Just over an hour and a quarter to go, with the closing ceremony to come before kick-off.
Closing ceremony under way
We've already seen IShowSpeed, now we're onto Post Malone. We're also going to get performances from Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger and Robbie Williams, with an appearance from Tom Cruise.
Real up-to-the-minute cutting-edge stuff all round. Truly the very best world music has to offer.
Team news
Spain: Unai Simon, Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella, Dani Olmo, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Alex Baena.
Argentina: Emiliano Martinez, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.
Do ITV know England aren't playing in this final?
We're currently getting a video package on Thomas Tuchel. Sure.
Where will this one be won and lost?
Throughout the knockout stages, Argentina have looked very capable in attack and have been able to summon on a huge amount of spirit and, perhaps more importantly, genuine quality in the final third.
But they have looked vulnerable in defence, particularly on their right flank - the opposition's left side. They can be got at by swift attacks up that side in particular.
We've also seen certain teams and individuals get to grips better with how to keep Lionel Messi quiet, at least up to a point. Switzerland's Granit Xhaka and England's Elliot Anderson both left Messi looking frustrated for much of the game in the past two rounds; might that be a job for Fabian Ruiz and/or Rodri here?
Spain, meanwhile, have been superb at not allowing an obvious weak point to show anywhere on the pitch.
If there has been a criticism of them at points, it has been that they have had phases of games where they have looked rather toothless, particularly with Lamine Yamal struggling for form for much of the competition.
But their system has looked more and more convincing as the summer has gone on, and they have excelled at grinding teams down - and when all else fails, Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has proven to be a superb option to play up front from the bench.
For Argentina, the key may be to try and limit Rodri's influence from midfield...but just like with Messi, that's easier said than done.
Extended half time coming in this one, obviously
Because apparently it's an absolute necessity to have a half-time show, a break of around 25-30 minutes is expected in the middle of this game.
Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy and Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus (with Coldplay) will stick their stupid disruptive noses where they don't belong for the benefit of nobody except FIFA's desperate bid for cultural relevance. Sure, Gianna, that's what Madonna, Shakira and Coldplay give you.
Micah Richard says on the BBC: "After about 10-15 minutes, I would have been getting really stiff. I would have found it really difficult."
All worth it though we're sure.
30 minutes to go
Excited?
The teams are going through their warm-ups at present, but don't worry, they'll soon have some more musicians and stuff out on the pitch.
What goes around...
After enjoying himself at Harry Kane's expense, Wayne Rooney's voice is now giving up on him as he goes through his pre-match punditry on the BBC.
Looking to go back-to-back
Only two sides have ever won back-to-back men's World Cups: Italy in 1934 and 1938, and Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
Argentina have the chance to join that list today have deprived France of the honour in an absolute classic of a final four years ago.
We can only dream of having a showpiece as brilliant at that one this time around...right?
Could be a long evening
Four of the past five men's World Cup finals have gone to extra time, with two of them settled on penalties. France's 4-2 triumph over Croatia in 2018 was the only exception.
With the extended half time interval, we're probably not going to be done with the regulation 90 minutes until well past 5pm local time (10pm UK time). Extra time and penalties would be likely to take us past 11.
And just to compound matters, the closing ceremony looks to be running a bit behind schedule.
Jennifer Hudson belts out the US national anthem
The EGOT-winner is finally in place to sing the Star-Spangled Banner.
Still weird that she was once married to David Otunga.
This is dross
Paulie is joined by Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini to perform some absolute dirge that has absolutely killed the crowd. Absolute garbage. Why have they done this to us? Get on with it.
The World Cup now comes out in a Louis Vuitton case. "I feel like I'm having a fever dream," my wife says. She's not wrong. Bizarre business all round.
And now here's Tom Cruise
He's doing a dramatic monologue, while holding onto his sunglasses. Nobody could have held onto them for him for a bit?
Finally, mercifully, that's all over (for now)
The teams are in the tunnel. The flags of Spain and Argentina have been pulled across the pitch. Minutes away.
4 - Tentative opening
Both sides have had a spell of possession to try and feel their way into the game.
5 - First chance
Yamal plays off Olmo brilliantly to get free in the box, but his shot deflects straight at Emi Martinez.
Spain get into the box again moments later but it comes to nothing, and a quick Argentina break forces Unai Simon to race 35 yards off his line to mop up. Just about gets there before Messi and the danger is gone.
Messi looked to pull out of that when I think it was winnable.
7 - Free kick shout
Porro looked set to get into the box off Oyarzabal's flick, but was brought down off the ball by Mac Allister. No foul, says the referee. Not sure that was the right call but there we go.
Spain looking the better side so far.
12 - Spain corner
Ruiz's cross from deep on the left is flicked behind for a corner. Baena to take from the right.
He finds Olmo at the back post, but it's a hard one to take down and Romero nips in to get it away.
15 - Rough tackle
Mac Allister somehow avoids a yellow card for a nasty challenge on Olmo. Not a red, should have been yellow for sure, just a warning from the referee.
17 - Argentina free kick
Baena with a cynical shove on Messi 40 yards out.
De Paul tries to find Gonzalez's run into the box but overhits it for a goal kick.
18 - Claim
Wonderful first touch from Yamal to bring down a high ball, drive forward and put in a low cross, but Emi Martinez claims it.
23 - "The assistant didn't put his flag up!"
So says Alan Shearer after a clearance deflects off a Spanish man and drops nicely for Oyarzabal inside the box, with Fernandez back well to make sure there's no threat, but Oyarzabal knew he was offside and didn't go for it.
Yes, Alan. They don't put the flag up straight away these days. They haven't for years. Come on, keep up.
25 - Hydration break
Is it disrespectful to play Las Ketchup during the drinks break? That's what they're doing, anyway.
One of our men in the ground, the esteemed Joe Donnohue, reports that the Spain fans are chanting "FIFA-tina" whenever a decision goes Argentina's way, such as Mac Allister avoiding yellow for that tackle ten minutes ago.
28 - Back at it
Play resumes. Spain have had the better of that first quarter.
Mac Allister with a blatant intentional handball. Still no yellow for him.
30 - Intense from Spain
Spain are not letting Argentina breathe in their own half here. They just had to put it out for a throw in the Spain half to get away from Cucurella's intense press after he had briefly taken possession of a rushed Argentina pass.
33 - Argentina free kick
Mac Allister draws a foul out on the left wing. Deep crossing position for the Argentina free kick, but cross it they will...
...no, Messi passes it instead, then is easily dispossessed by Ruiz. Waste.
35 - "That late flag again"
Shearer at it again as Cucurella is flagged after his cross is cleared for a throw.
I don't understand how all pundits and commentators still keep doing this, as if they've watched no football in the past seven years.
38 - Probing
Spain have a sustained spell of pressure around the Argentina box, but Cucurella's cross is poor. Spain get another try through Olmo, but it's headed away before Oyarzabal can get onto it. Porro shouts for handball against Lisandro Martinez just outside the box as his shot is blocked, nothing given..
Spain try again after dealing with an attempted Argentina counter, and eventually Oyarzabal gets a shot off from 25 yards - well struck but straight at Emi Martinez for a routine save.
That's about as good an attempt on goal as we've seen so far, and even that was nothing to write home about.
41 - Yellow card
Lisandro Martinez in the book for the most cynical of fouls on Oyarzabal to stop any chance of a Spain break.
42 - Nobody on the end of it
Nice intricate stuff from Spain to get Porro free up the right. Decent ball into an area, but nobody challenges for it.
43 - Wide
Cucurella receives the ball on the edge of the box towards the left, no real passing options, so he has a shot - drags it wide of the far post.
And Lisandro Martinez has now gone down, with Emi Martinez indicating to the bench that the centre-back needs to go off.
Four minutes added on
This game still yet to come to life. Can we get a twist to set up something for the second half please?
HALF TIME: Spain 0-0 Argentina
Yawn.
And now for a complete and utter waste of everyone's time for the next 20-30 minutes in the form of that ridiculous half-time show.
Go and have a walk, have a coffee, renew your acquaintance with a long-lost childhood friend, file your tax return, and by the time you're done it might almost be time for the second half.
Hold the phone
The Muppets are part of this half time show?
Alright fine. Dunno why they've got those other fleshbags involved at all. All Muppets please.
There's Madge
Performing her song Music, from [checks notes] the year 2000.
All pre-recorded, as well. She's being driven around by a mortified-looking OG Ronaldo and a rather happier looking Ronaldinho.
Why are you doing this, Ronaldo? This is beneath you.
And out them come onto the pitch as a trio.
And now the real main event: the Muppets helping to perform Seven Nation Army (2003).
And now BTS take over
Performing Dynamite (2020), which sounds like a tribute to B*Witched.
Of course we have to have Ted Lasso. He's really funny! He's an American but he's a football manager! He doesn't really know what he's doing! But he's lovable!
He hands over to Justin Bieber to bring the mood down with something boring and heartfelt.
Chris Martin is proud of this, is he?
Lining his pockets with FIFA money to force this crap on the world?
Well done, you're an asset to society.
Anyway here's Shakira and Burna Boy.
Now here's some kids who have been co-opted into this farce
Chris Martin and the rest of the performers join a bunch of kids around the word "LOVE" on the pitch.
And that's it. What a spectacular waste of time and money. Everyone involved should be ashamed.
ROOONNEEEYYY!
Gabby Logan asks the BBC pundits for their favourite parts of the half time show. Wayne Rooney: "My favourite bit was when it finished. I thought it was crap."
Here we go then
The players are back out, finally, some 27 minutes after the half time whistle went.
Argentina are absolutely meandering over to slow things down further, and Leandro Paredes is set to come on.
46 - Has to hit it better
Argentina give the ball away in their own third, and Baena cuts across the face of the 18 yard box to et into a good shooting position - but puts a tame effort pretty well straight at Emi Martinez.
Had to at least test the keeper properly there.
48 - Argentina corner
Messi to take from the right.
Whipped to the near post, clearance rebounds out off Mac Allister for a goal kick.
52 - Man down...two men down
Paredes leaves an elbow on Rodri, sparking a very slow coming together between the two sides. Olmo gets shoved over in the thick of it too. Something and nothing.
Paredes goes in the book for pushing over Olmo.
54 - Very scrappy this now
The ten minutes since the break has just been a series of niggly little fouls. That plays to Argentina's favour you would think.
Spain actually play some football now, but Ruiz's return pass for Oyarzabal on the edge of the box is cut out after good work to get there.
57 - Spain corner
Rodri's through ball slips Olmo into the box at pace. He tries to cut it back to Cucurella in a great position, but Montiel gets there first. Behind for a corner.
In from the right after a short corner, but it's a dreadful ball - far too high and straight out for a goal kick.
59 - No moment of quality so far
Spain have had most of the ball, all the territory and all the impetus, but this is them in that sterile mode we've seen them in at various points in this tournament.
They presumably want Yamal to provide a spark, but he's done absolutely diddly squat so far.
60 - Spain free kick
Spain have a free kick on the right and could either pass, cross or shoot here. Left for Yamal...who hits the wall. Baena thinks he's bought a corner off a blocked cross, but it stays in play and Argentina force it out for a throw their own way.
63 - Argentina still yet to have a shot
Absolutely zero from the reigning champions. Five from Spain, apparently, of which three on target. None of them memorable.
64 - Spain corner
Olmo tries his luck from 25 yards , straight at Emi Martinez, but the keeper makes a bit of a hash of it and turns it out for a corner. He was relieved to see it wasn't going into the top corner instead.
Corner cleared, Yamal tries again with a good cross, Paredes nods it out for another corner on the left this time.
Bit of a scramble in the box, but Argentina lump it away in the end.
66 - And another corner
Cross from the left nodded behind. Yamal to take from the right.
Straight to Mac Allister at the near post. Headed away.
Yamal gets to the byline off the loose ball and puts it onto Torres' head, but he puts it - you guessed it - straight at the keeper. Should have done better.
68 - Drinks break
We're going to have a three minute stoppage.
Cristian Romero has gone down holding his ankle, but after a few moments, he's back up to join his teammates in the dugout.
Still goalless.
69 - We'll level with you
This game has been rubbish. If Spain had anything in the final third, they'd have this game sewn up already. So far, they have not.
In the other direction, we've barely seen anything of Lionel Messi whatsoever.
70 - Final Argentina subs
Romero and De Paul go off. Giuliano Simeone and Facundo Medina on.
Back under way.
75 - Spain subs
Olmo and Baena make way. On come Nico WIlliams and Mikel Merino.
Firmly into Plan B mode here for Spain.
77 - You won't believe this
Spain just shot straight at Emi Martinez again. Pedri this time.
Spain try again and Yamal wriggles into the box, but his cutback is blocked and cleared.
Long shot from Cubarsi tests Martinez with its power, despite being (yeeep) straight at him. Spain keep it alive and win a corner.
Over everyone and out for a throw.
80 - Spain corner
Porro's cross from the right is blocked, out for yet another Spain corner.
Short again, Pedri gets it to Williams at the byline, cross to Laporte, header is a comfortable one for Emi Martinez.
He launches it long, it ends up back with Simon in the opposite box.
83 - Yellow card
Enzo Fernandez being a petulant little sod and getting booked for dissent? Surely not.
87 - Wide
Merino dinks it over the top for Torres, but he can't connect properly with his finish and it bounces harmlessly wide.
90 - The view from MetLife Stadium
Our own Joe Donnohue, out at MetLife Stadium, has the following assessment:
If Lionel Messi gets just one of the opportunities Spain have made a habit of squandering this half, it'll be game over. The Spanish have been uncharacteristically profligate - their attempts lacking power and placement.
Emiliano Martinez has made save after save, but he's hardly had to work for any of them. We approach extra time here at the New York New Jersey Stadium…
90+1 - Argentina free kick
Laporte fails to dematerialise as Messi runs into him, which is a free kick, apparently.
It's 35-40 yards from goal. but a chance to ump the ball into the box.
No, they go short. Worked to Messi, who is tackled as he cuts inside.
Argentina come again, Simeone crosses, Simon claims it.
Spain go on the break, Williams has two men in support and opts to shoot - good save!
90+3 - RED CARD - Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)
How thick can you get?
Fernandez was only booked ten minutes ago, but he still decides to go ploughing straight through Cubarsi. He's eons late, it's a ridiculous challenge, second yellow, off you go.
Stupid boy.
90+4 - Argentina protest, Fernandez cries
Argentina, ridiculously, protest that decision en masse. Not a leg to stand on there. Ridiculous.
Fernandez is in tears as he goes off. Good.
90+7 - Spain free kick
This could be the last kick of the 90 - and Spain have a free kick in an ideal shooting position.
The world holds its breath. Yamal and Porro looking at it.
90+8 - Save!
Good hit by Yamal on that free kick, but Emi Martinez pushes it out for a corner!
Taken quickly and short, then put into the box...cleared.
97 - GOAL DISALLOWED
Nico WIlliams has it in the net, but the referee has whistled!
Pedri touches on a ball into the box, Merino beats Martinez to the loose ball but can only put it straight at the keeper, and Williams tucks home the rebound!
VAR will have a look at this - but the initial replays don't really show anything in the way of a foul...
99 - Goal still ruled out, Spain sub
Yeah VAR has chosen not to intervene. VAR apaprently saying Otamendi had his foot stood on in the build-up. OK.
Eric Garcia on for Rodri.
112 - Off target
Yamal miscues his shot well off target after Pedri leaves it on the edge of the box for his Barcelona teammate.
113 - Close!
Williams whips in a cross from the corner of the box and Merino times his run well to meet it with Emi Martinez surely beaten - but he glances it wide!
That should have been the opener.
115 - Yellow card
Scaloni goes in the book for protesting the non-award of a Cucurella foul on Simeone.
I think it was a foul but there we go.
HALF TIME IN EXTRA TIME
This has descended into farce over the past few minutes with both sides as bad as the other for petulant little shoves and tussles.
15 more minutes to go.
Still zero shots for Argentina in 105 minutes.
This game is awful.
More on the goal!
It's a high ball into the box, Williams does great to get to it before Medina at the byline and nod it back to Torres, and he powers a shot past the helpless Emi Martinez!
111 - Yellow card
Mac Allister is in the book for a foul on Merino.
He was very lucky not to be booked early on in the game.
114 - GOAL DISALLOWED
Spain hit Argentina on the counter, Yamal plays Torres in from the halfway line, nobody except Emi Martinez in that entire half of the pitch, and he gets his finish right!
...but the flag is up for offside. Tight one, but correct.
115 - Argentina corner
Messi's cross is turned behind by Garcia.
Messi plays the corner short, then loops a high ball into the box...in fact, onto the roof of the net. Goal kick.
116 - What was that?!
Williams just surged into the box from the left, can either shoot or play it across to Torres....and instead pokes it harmlessly wide of the near post. Absolutely bizarre.
Looks like he was trying to flip-flap it and got it wrong.
117 - Man down
Argentina, finally, after 117 minutes, have their first shot - but Messi absolutely ploughs it straight into Merino's face from just outside the box.
That will have left him seeing stars, and he needs a moment to recover.
Play will restart with...a corner, I think?
No, it's a drop ball. Never went out.
120 - Argentina free kick
Daft foul from Williams 45 yards out. Messi is going to pump this into the box....no, short, then slides it to Simeone at the byline, cutback across the six yard box, and Spain get it behind from the goalmouth! Huge moment.
Argentina corner.
120+1 - Over the bar!
Five minutes added on.
Messi's corner causes a scramble, and the ball goes behind for another corner.
Short from Messi, but the ref orders it retaken having whistled for shoving in the box.
Messi again from the right, flicked on near post, Simeone is free to get a shot off - and put it over the bar! Just leaning back too far to get his foot around the ball.
120+3 - Stupid free kick
...goes Spain way on the edge of the Spain box. Argentina were working their way up the left and Simeone just shoved his man down off the ball. The officials clocked it.
120+5 - Keepaway
Spain are just holding onto the ball to try and see out the final minute....but a stray pass sees Cucurella commit a foul on halfway.
Emi Martinez to punt this into the box. Final seconds.
FULL TIME: SPAIN WIN THE WORLD CUP
That's it! Ferran Torres' extra-time goal is the difference against ten-man Argentina!
Disgrace
Scaloni has gone mad on the final whistle, marching onto the pitch and confronting several Spain players.
Alan Shearer says he saw someone throwing some haymakers.
Nicolas Otamendi is going at it with Rodri now.
Argentina have been disgraceful throughout this game and beyond. Cynical, nasty anti-football and no class whatsoever in defeat. Spain the only team that deserved to win it.
Complain all you want, Argentina
Paredes has absolutely lost his mind after the final whistle, going at it with several Spanish players and having to be pulled away before he properly lamps someone. He also grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat.
Joe Hart says: "Disgusting. There's one player in that squad who had a bit of class and that's Lionel Messi, who went around and shook the hands of all the Spanish players."
No idea what they're so upset about. You didn't have a shot until the one hundred and seventeeth minute, lads. Not a sausage. They set up to do absolutely nothing except defend and spoil the game. They got exactly what they deserved.
And now Spain can celebrate
Now that their dreadful opposition have shuffled off the pitch, Spain's celebrations begin in earnest.
Lamine Yamal lies down on the floor just taking it all in for a moment alongside Nico Williams.
The players and staff then join arms in a massive circle and dance around.
The European champions are now also world champions.
Spot on from Emma Hayes, as ever
The USA manager said on ITV: "This was death by a million cuts. Spain were just waiting to put a dying dog down."
Brutal and correct.
The agony and the ecstasy
This is what it means.
Trophy lift imminent
The various FIFA and government representatives are out to hand out the medals and, finally, the trophy.
The referees go up first, to whistles.
The individual awards
Young player of the tournament goes to Spain centre-back Pau Cubarsi, who looks absolutely delighted, bless him.
The Golden Gloves go to Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon. Emi Martinez doesn't look too happy. Oh no.
No holding the trophy his genitals for Simon.
The Golden Ball for player of the tournament goes to Rodri. Clean sweep for Spain.
The Golden Boot, of course, goes to France's 10-goal man Kylian Mbappe.
Messi in tears
The Argentinian icon has burst into tears after going up to receive his silver medal and then heading over to the Argentina end, who receive him with glowing adulation.
How's that feel?
Match-winner Ferran Torres cannot resist laying his hand on the trophy on his way past after receiving his medal.
Rodri the last to go up, after Luis de la Fuente - and now the Spain captain will get the chance to lift the World Cup trophy.
And there it is!
Rodri hoists the trophy aloft!
The Spain squad take their turn to do likewise, and fireworks blast off from the full perimeter of Metlife Stadium.
So then...that's it
The men's World Cup is over for another four years, and this year's edition is now one for the history books.
We should acknowledge there has been no shortage of controversy around and during this tournament, the fallout from which will rightly continue to be discussed.
But on the pitch, we've seen minnows go further than we expected, Scottish heartbreak once more, shock eliminations for Germany and the Netherlands in the round of 32, England blow hot and cold to make it to the semi-finals, a ten-goal thriller in the third-place play-off, Kylian Mbappe's golden boot triumph, and what was frankly one of the worst cup finals we have ever seen in any competition at any level.
The enduring images of that final will no doubt be Enzo Fernandez's sheer stupidity, Ferran Torres' deserved winner, Argentina's rage on the final whistle, and Lionel Messi's tears.
That's all from us for tonight and for the 2026 World Cup. Thank you for joining us!
