Spain clinches second World Cup with 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina, FIFA probes final's mass brawl

The final's deciding moment

Spain secured their second World Cup title courtesy of an extra-time winner from winger Ferran Torres. Argentina had already been reduced to 10 men in the 93rd minute of normal time when Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card. The score remained 0-0 until Torres struck in the additional period, handing Spain a 1-0 victory at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Post-match brawl triggers FIFA investigation

At the final whistle, tensions boiled over. Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes clashed with several Spanish players, including defender Eric Garcia and midfielder Gavi, triggering a broader brawl between the two sets of players. The teams exchanged shoves and had to be physically separated. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni tried to calm down the players at the end of the ill-tempered encounter. World soccer's governing body FIFA has since appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the post-match brawl, though no timeframe was given for the conclusion of the investigation.

Comportamiento repugnante por parte de los argentinos al final, especialmente Paredes.

British presenter Piers Morgan criticized the Argentine conduct on social media, calling the team a "group of violent and unpleasant thugs" and posting an image of Paredes throwing Gavi to the ground after a clash with Rodri. Argentina's Economy Minister Luis Caputo, who had previously branded Morgan an "idiot and resentful," responded harshly online.

Argentina returns home without Messi

Argentina's squad flew back to Buenos Aires without their superstar. Lionel Messi, after the final, reportedly flew first to Miami and then planned to travel to his hometown of Rosario for several days, according to local media. Coach Lionel Scaloni and the remaining players received a "protocol reception" at the international airport with a red carpet and a military band that played "Muchachos, Ahora Nos Volvimos a Ilusionar," the unofficial anthem of the Albiceleste since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Argentines will celebrate anyway.

Thousands of fans braved the cold and the rain, waiting outside the AFA's training grounds in Ezeiza with flags and blue-and-white umbrellas. President Javier Milei had announced a national holiday after the final but made it conditional on a request from the players and coaching staff, who were in no mood to celebrate. Further official honors were absent. The AFA had earlier announced that several squad members, including Enzo Fernandez, Lautaro Martinez, and Julian Alvarez, would head directly to their clubs or on holiday from the United States.

Clashes in Buenos Aires after the defeat

Late on Sunday evening, thousands of Argentines gathered at the traditional celebration point of the Obelisk in Buenos Aires. Brief clashes broke out, and police used water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse revellers. Fifteen people were detained. The match itself drew international media criticism for a plethora of fouls and displays of poor sportsmanship from the Albiceleste, who failed to register a shot on target until the 116th minute.

Spain celebrates before two million in Madrid

Spain's team returned to a massive celebration in Madrid. An estimated two million people, according to the Government Delegation, lined the streets as the squad toured the city in an open-top bus from the Moncloa Palace to a packed Plaza de Cibeles, where more than 120,000 fans awaited. The players took to a stage around 22:10, introduced one by one with individually chosen songs ranging from Bad Bunny and Quevedo to Julio Iglesias and Raphael.

Estos chavales que están aquí son la hostia. Ferran Torres ha sido muchas veces injustamente criticado y hoy es historia del fútbol español.

Captain Rodri, named the tournament's best player, took the microphone to defend the final's hero, while coach Luis de la Fuente praised his "26 fantastic people who are also the best in the world." The party, 16 years after Spain's first World Cup triumph in South Africa, ran until nearly 2:00 am.

What comes next

FIFA's disciplinary prosecutor now examines the post-final melee with no set deadline. For Argentina, the immediate aftermath is one of sober return and scattered holidays. Spain begins its reign as world champion.