Argentina President Javier Milei triggered social media buzz after an apparent scheduled X post celebrating a FIFA World Cup victory went live despite Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 final. The post announced a national holiday to celebrate the triumph, with the date to be decided by the players and coaching staff, prompting speculation that it had been scheduled in advance and not deleted. Earlier, Milei had thanked the squad for their fighting spirit following the defeat. Spain secured its second men's World Cup title through Ferran Torres' 106th-minute winner, ending Argentina's title defence and Lionel Messi's final World Cup campaign on a heartbreaking note.

Clashes erupted between Argentina supporters and police in Buenos Aires after the country's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Thousands had gathered around the Obelisk to watch the match, but tensions escalated shortly before midnight when some fans tried to breach protective fencing. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons after bottles and other projectiles were thrown. At least 15 people were detained, while multiple injuries were reported, though their severity remains unclear. Spain claimed its second men's World Cup title through Ferran Torres' extra-time winner. Despite the defeat, President Javier Milei announced a national holiday to honour Argentina's team, with the date yet to be decided.

Spain forward Lamine Yamal created football history ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina by becoming the first player to feature in both a UEFA Euro final and FIFA World Cup final as a teenager. At 19 years and six days old, the Barcelona star played in Spain’s Euro 2024 final and earned a place in the 2026 World Cup final. Yamal also joined an elite list of teenage World Cup finalists alongside Pele, Giuseppe Bergomi, Kylian Mbappe and teammate Pau Cubarsi. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised Yamal’s talent, comparing his influence to Lionel Messi and calling him an exceptional footballing treasure.

Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final has drawn comparisons with its 1990 loss to West Germany, with both matches reflecting one-sided performances despite identical scorelines. Spain dominated possession and chances throughout, while Argentina failed to register a shot until the 117th minute, after Ferran Torres' 106th-minute winner. Lionel Messi, outstanding throughout the tournament, endured his quietest display, echoing Diego Maradona's subdued 1990 final after his iconic 1986 campaign. Argentina also finished with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez's late red card, though Spain's superiority had been evident from the opening whistle. The defeat ended Argentina's title defence in emphatic fashion. (PC: Iconsport / GPG)

Spain's historic FIFA World Cup 2026 triumph was overshadowed by an unexpected controversy during the trophy presentation. As captain Rodri and his teammates lifted the trophy to celebrate Spain's second world title, US President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino remained on the podium alongside the players instead of stepping away. Both leaders had earlier been loudly booed by sections of the crowd, and their continued presence during the champions' celebrations shifted attention from Spain's landmark victory. Despite the awkward scenes, La Roja quickly reclaimed the spotlight, celebrating their memorable World Cup success after defeating Argentina and capping off a remarkable campaign with the coveted trophy.  

Spain etched its name into football history by becoming the first nation to simultaneously hold the FIFA Men's and Women's World Cup titles after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the 2026 final. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute to hand La Roja their second men's World Cup crown. The victory also extended Spain's unbeaten streak to a world-record 38 matches. Luis de la Fuente's side dominated the tournament, conceding just one goal across eight matches. Spain's latest triumph adds to the women's team's 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup success over England. Germany remains the only other country to have won both the men's and women's World Cups. (PC: The Independent & Sportstar)

Spain's historic FIFA World Cup 2026 triumph was overshadowed by ugly scenes after the final whistle as celebrations gave way to a heated post-match brawl following the 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina in New York. Tensions spilled over while Spain celebrated lifting the trophy, with Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes shown a red card after clashing with Spain's Gavi and Eric Garcia. Earlier, Argentina had already been reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez received a red card during the match. The chaotic finish compounded Argentina's heartbreak, as Lionel Messi's hopes of ending his World Cup career with another title were dashed following Ferran Torres' extra-time winner for Spain. 

Kylian Mbappe became the first player to win the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot twice after finishing as the 2026 tournament's top scorer with 10 goals in eight matches, edging Lionel Messi's tally of eight. The France forward, who also won the award at Qatar 2022, is now the men's all-time World Cup leading scorer with 22 goals, surpassing Messi. Despite France finishing fourth after a 6-4 bronze-match defeat to England, Mbappe called the achievement secondary to missing the final. Meanwhile, Spain dominated the tournament's individual honours as captain Rodri received the Golden Ball after leading La Roja to their second FIFA World Cup title. (PC: NY Times & Getty Images)

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal shared an emotional embrace after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the FIFA World Cup, creating a memorable moment symbolising football's changing generations. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 97th minute, securing Spain's second World Cup title. Argentina's challenge intensified after Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second bookable offence in stoppage time of normal time, with Lionel Scaloni's side failing to register a shot on or off target until the 115th minute. Following the final whistle, Messi and Yamal shared a brief conversation, recalling their iconic connection dating back to the 2007 UNICEF photoshoot.

Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win their second FIFA World Cup, denying Lionel Messi a fairytale farewell. Ferran Torres scored the decisive winner in the 106th minute after Pedro Porro's delivery and Nico Williams' flick-on. Spain completed the tournament with just one goal conceded and six clean sheets, underlining their defensive dominance. Argentina's hopes faded after Enzo Fernandez was sent off before extra time, although goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez produced several crucial saves. VAR disallowed a Nico Williams goal and another Torres strike for offside. Messi created one final chance for Marcos Senesi, whose close-range effort was brilliantly blocked before the final whistle.