EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Ferran Torres scored the match-winning goal in extra time Sunday as Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 to capture its second FIFA World Cup championship at MetLife Stadium.
Torres found the net in the 106th minute during extra time after Spain dominated possession throughout the match, ending Argentina's reign as World Cup champion.
Spain controlled the match from the opening whistle, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez repeatedly kept his team in contention with a series of saves. Among his biggest stops was denying Lamine Yamal's curling free kick late in regulation that appeared headed for the top corner.
Argentina struggled offensively, failing to record a shot during regulation and rarely threatening Spain's defense.
The defending champions' chances became even more difficult in stoppage time when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a challenge on Pau Cubarsí, forcing Argentina to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.
Spain continued to apply pressure in extra time before finally breaking through. Nico Williams headed a cross back into the middle of the penalty area, where Torres drove a powerful shot past Martínez to give Spain the lead.
Torres later appeared to score a second goal, but it was disallowed for offside during the buildup.
Argentina mounted a late push but was unable to find an equalizer. Giuliano Simeone's attempt sailed over the crossbar in one of the team's few opportunities before Spain held on through the final whistle.
The victory gives Spain its second men's World Cup title and makes it the first country to simultaneously hold both the men's and women's FIFA World Cup championships.
The match is expected to mark the final World Cup appearance for 39-year-old Lionel Messi, who was visibly emotional after receiving Argentina's runners-up medal.
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