Ferran Torres seals extra-time win as Spain beat Argentina for World Cup

Spain are world champions for the first time in 16 years after beating Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match in the opening seconds of the second half of extra time.

Torres' strike broke a deadlock that had survived the full 90 minutes and the first period of extra time, sending his team-mates and the Spain supporters inside the stadium into celebration. Argentina were unable to respond after falling behind.

Key moments of the final

• Ferran Torres scores in the opening seconds of the second half of extra time
• Argentina play the closing stages with ten men after Enzo Fernandez is sent off
• Spain hold firm as Argentina push for an equaliser
• A post-match scuffle follows, involving Leandro Paredes, Eric Garcia and Gavi
• Lionel Messi is left in tears at the final whistle

Argentina's task was made harder by the dismissal of Enzo Fernandez, which left them a man short as they chased the game. Despite their efforts to find a leveller, Spain's defence kept them out through the closing minutes of extra time.

Tensions after the whistle

The result was followed by a confrontation after the match, with Argentina's Leandro Paredes sparking a scuffle involving Spain's Eric Garcia and Gavi. Messi, appearing in tears, was among the Argentina players coming to terms with the defeat.

The title is Spain's first since their 2010 triumph, while Argentina's wait for another World Cup continues. Attention will now turn to how both squads regroup for the next cycle of international fixtures.