EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) – Spain is back atop the soccer world for a second time, after Ferran Torres’ first goal of this year’s World Cup — unquestionably the goal of his life — gave his country a 1-0 win over now-dethroned champion Argentina in the final on Sunday.
“It was a goal scored by 47 million people,” Torres said, referring to Spain’s population.
Maybe not by them — but certainly for them.
It denied Messi a second straight title in what he has indicated was his final World Cup match. Torres, a second-half substitute, pounced on a bouncing ball in the box and used his left foot to bury a shot just under the crossbar in the 106th minute.
From there, the airtight defence that dominated opponents throughout the tournament came through one final time. Spain — which also won the title in 2010 — allowed only one goal in eight matches in this World Cup run, setting a record for fewest goals allowed by a champion.
“I feel pride, to be honest,” said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, who at 65 is now the oldest man to lead a team to a World Cup title. “Accompanying them on this journey is an honour.”
This title, combined with the Women’s World Cup won by Spain in 2023, makes the European nation the first to hold both the men’s and women’s titles simultaneously.
“I feel sad,” said Messi, who was moved to tears after receiving his runner-up medal and staring into the crowd at Argentina supporters. “But I am aware that we played our hearts out.”
Aside from the trophy and championship rings, the FIFA World Cup winners will receive US$51 million in prize money. The runners-up will earn US$34 million, while third-placed England will receive US$30 million and fourth-placed France US$28 million. The quarter-finalists, who finished between fifth and eighth place, will each receive US$20 million.
Kylian Mbappé of France won the Golden Boot as the World Cup’s top scorer with 10 goals after Messi was held scoreless in the final. Messi finished with eight goals. Mbappé also has the career record with 22, one more than Messi.
Three other awards went to Spain players. Captain Rodri won the Golden Ball as the World Cup’s best player. Unai Simón won the Golden Glove for the top performance by a goalkeeper. Pau Cubarsí won the Best Young Player Award, beating out fellow 19-year-old teammate Lamine Yamal.
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