Messi says Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain left 'immense pain'
Fans in Toronto filled the streets on Sunday night to celebrate Spain‘s World Cup victory against Argentina. The win marked Spain‘s second World Cup title in its history. Celebrations were particularly vibrant on College Street, where hundreds of people gathered, waving red and yellow flags in a spontaneous display of joy.
Many supporters expressed their long-awaited anticipation for this moment, with some noting they had been waiting for 16 years since Spain‘s previous World Cup triumph in 2010. One fan shared their surprise at the team’s journey, stating, “I never thought that we would make it this far, but we did!” Another fan enthusiastically shouted, “Viva España!”
Match Details and Key Moments
The decisive goal came in the 106th minute when Spain substitute Ferran Torres scored, securing a 1-0 victory over defending champion Argentina. Following the match, Torres expressed his elation, telling reporters, “I just want to lift that Cup and press it really hard. This is a dream of 47 million people who were on this pitch today, so I think we all deserved this and we broke our back.”
The final match itself was described as an intense affair. After an unwatchable regulation period, the game escalated into a wild extra period. During the match, Argentina‘s Enzo Fernández was ejected in the 93rd minute after a challenge on Spain‘s Pau Cubarsí. Later, Spain initially believed they had scored, but the goal was disallowed due to an inadvertent foul.
Spain eventually scored early in the second half of added extra time. The goal was the culmination of a characteristic Spanish play, starting deep in their own end and involving numerous passes before a header across the goal. Argentina, despite being the only team in World Cup final history to not register a shot on goal, made frantic efforts in the final minutes to find an equalizer but missed twice.
Post-Match Events and Reactions
Following the final whistle, a brawl erupted on the field, resulting in the ejection of Argentina‘s Leandro Paredes. The trophy presentation occurred approximately 30 minutes after the match concluded. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump presented the trophy. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum were also present.
Trump was met with boos upon his entry and again during the medal ceremony. In a departure from tradition, Trump and Infantino carried the trophy together. Trump reportedly lingered, appearing to wait for an invitation to join the Spain team photo, but no such invitation was extended. He remained on the margins for the confetti photo before departing.
Lionel Messi, visibly devastated, headed to the section of the pitch where Argentina fans were concentrated. He was seen alone, being serenaded by fans as tears streamed down his face. The match highlighted the struggle between the cultural significance of sport and its commercial aspects, with the afternoon’s events heavily featuring musical performances and other entertainment.
The halftime show included performances, with Justin Bieber performing an acoustic guitar number after an introduction from Ted Lasso, portrayed by Jason Sudeikis. Shakira was also among the performers. Despite the pre-game and halftime spectacles, the soccer itself ultimately provided a dramatic conclusion to the tournament, with Spain emerging as the champion.
Source: toronto.citynews.ca
