World Cup was written in the stars for Spain: Ferran Torres after beating Argentina

Spain's World Cup final hero Ferran Torres said the triumph over Argentina felt destined after his extra-time strike secured a historic 1-0 victory, insisting the trophy belonged to the entire country rather than the 26 players who lifted it in New Jersey.Torres scored the decisive goal 37 seconds into the second period of extra time, finishing off a brilliant move involving Pedro Porro and Nico Williams to end Spain's 64-year wait for a second FIFA World Cup title. The win also denied Lionel Messi a chance to end his international career with back-to-back World Cup crowns.Spain vs Argentina, World Cup Final: HighlightsReflecting on the biggest goal of his career, Torres dedicated the moment to Spain and said the squad always believed the title was theirs to win. "The goal was for 47 million people; it wasn't just mine, or of the 26 players here," Torres said after the final."I believe that today's outcome was written in the stars. The game was there for us to win, far from our people, but we did our best to make them feel as close as possible." Torres had gone through the tournament without finding the net, but he chose the perfect occasion to open his account. His clinical finish finally beat Emiliano Martinez, who had frustrated Spain for nearly two hours with a string of outstanding saves.The goal capped a dominant performance from Luis de la Fuente's side, who controlled possession, limited Argentina to almost no attacking threat for much of the contest and deservedly lifted the trophy.MESSI CHALLENGETorres admitted that facing a team led by Messi naturally brings nerves, but said Spain never abandoned the style that had carried them to the final."All finals are difficult. When Messi is on the opposition team that nervousness always creeps in," he said."But ultimately we've always stuck to our guns, to playing our own brand of football, and I think today we've shown that once again."Spain's midfield, marshalled by Rodri, dictated the tempo throughout the evening while Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams constantly stretched Argentina's defence. Messi was largely kept quiet as Spain restricted the defending champions to very few meaningful opportunities.The victory completed an outstanding tournament for De la Fuente's side, who defeated Portugal, Belgium, France and Argentina in the knockout rounds to become world champions. For Torres, whose first goal of the campaign proved to be the tournament's most important, the final was the perfect ending to a journey he believes had always been destined for Spain.FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News - EndsPublished By: Amar PanickerPublished On: Jul 20, 2026 05:30 IST