Spain outclass Argentina to lift second World Cup title after 16 years

Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, finishing off a move created by Nico Williams to hand La Roja their second World Cup crown and first since their historic triumph in South Africa in 2010.

Spain controlled the contest from the outset, dominating possession and dictating the tempo against an Argentina side that struggled to impose themselves for long spells.

Lamine Yamal nearly broke the deadlock inside the opening five minutes, but his effort was denied by a combination of Lisandro Martínez and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. Moments later, Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón raced off his line to prevent Lionel Messi from getting a clear sight of goal.

Argentina spent much of the first half on the back foot, managing only 32 percent possession in the opening 23 minutes. Messi, Nico González and Julián Álvarez combined for just 17 touches during that period as Rodri orchestrated Spain's midfield with authority.

Spain continued to create the better chances, with Emiliano Martínez producing several outstanding saves to keep Argentina in the match. He denied Mikel Oyarzabal late in the first half before Lisandro Martínez was shown the game's first yellow card and was later forced off through injury.

The statistics reflected Spain's superiority. They finished the first half with 65 percent possession and completed 313 passes compared to Argentina's 155. More strikingly, the defending champions failed to register a single shot throughout the opening 45 minutes.

Lionel Scaloni introduced Leandro Paredes after the restart in an attempt to wrest back control, but Spain maintained their dominance. Dani Olmo, Pedri, Oyarzabal and Yamal continued to threaten, only to be frustrated by another series of impressive saves from Emiliano Martínez.

Argentina's attacking struggles reached a historic low as they failed to record a shot on target for the opening 70 minutes, the longest such drought in a World Cup final since detailed match records began in 1966.

Spain thought they had found the breakthrough early in extra time when Nico Williams bundled the ball home, but the goal was ruled out after VAR spotted a foul by Mikel Merino in the build-up.

The decisive moment finally arrived in the 106th minute. Pedro Porro's delivery found Nico Williams, whose cutback was calmly converted by substitute Ferran Torres to break Argentina's resistance.