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EXCLUSIVE | Muhsin Ertugral Explains How Spain Neutralised Lionel Messi to Win World Cup Final

Spain claims its second World Cup title after a dominant tournament run, securing a 1-0 extra-time victory against Argentina by limiting Lionel Messi and conceding just one goal overall.

  • Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 to win the 2026 World Cup on Sunday, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in extra time.
  • Spain's defense, anchored by Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte, utilized possession tactics to prevent Lionel Messi from influencing the match, while goalkeeper Unai Simon made crucial anticipation plays.
  • Winger Nico Williams provided the perfectly placed cross for Torres' goal; defender Cubarsi earned the Young Player award and was nicknamed 'Cubarsito' by teammates.
  • Spain now holds an unprecedented run of dominance as reigning champion of the Euros, the Olympic Games, and the Women's World Cup alongside this second World Cup title.
  • FIFA President Gianni Infantino's 48-team tournament expansion faced scrutiny, as the final's 27-minute halftime show and hydration breaks drew criticism for creating unnecessary delays.
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Win Win comments on the way Spain won the World Cup for the second time and the powerful images with Lionel Messi

·Marousi, Greece
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Al Jazeera broke the news in Doha, Qatar on Monday, July 20, 2026.
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