Spain fans celebrated their team's 1-0 2026 FIFA World Cup victory in extra time over Lionel Messi's Argentina on Sunday (July 19) in New Jersey with a Messi chant at Times Square.
Luis de la Fuente's side dominated possession, while the Albiceleste couldn't manage a shot on the La Roja goal during regulation time, where midfielder Enzo Fernandez, on a yellow, was sent off for an ill-timed challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
Nevertheless, Lionel Scaloni's side forced extra time, thanks to a record 11 saves from their inspired custodian Emiliano Martinez. The Aston Villa man was finally beaten by substitute Ferran Torres' close-range 106th-minute winner, set up by Nico Williams. who had seen a goal ruled out moments earlier due to offside in the build-up.
Luis de la Fuente's European champions held off a late Albiceleste charge to win their second World Cup title in as many final appearances, adding to their lone triumph in South Africa 16 years ago.
Jubilant La Roja fans thronged New York's Times Square as they celebrated the win with a "Where's Lionel Messi" chant, as per an Instagram reel posted by Sport Bible. Here's a screenshot of their celebration:
Messi endured a quiet outing, managing no touch inside the La Roja box in the entire 120 minutes, ending his record run of 11 straight FIFA World Cup games with a goal contribution (scoring in the first nine).
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni hinted that he could leave after the Albiceleste's extra time loss to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday.
Lionel Messi, 39, enjoyed the most prolific World Cup campaign of his illustrious career - with eight goals and four assists in eight games - but couldn't make an impact in the match that mattered most as the Albiceleste came up second-best.
Thanking his squad for an incredible journey, Scaloni said (as per Albiceleste Talk):
Lionel Messi also fell narrowly short of winning the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot, finishing two goals behind France's Kylian Mbappe, who became the first player to win the award twice.
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