Spain’s players produced one of the defining moments of sportsmanship after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026, forming a guard of honour for Lionel Messi and the Argentina squad as they collected their runners-up medals following the final at MetLife Stadium.Moments after securing a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina, several Spanish players first walked across the pitch to embrace and console Messi, whose hopes of leading his country to back-to-back World Cup titles had just come to an end.The Barcelona legend, who had struggled to make his usual impact against Spain’s disciplined defence, sank to the turf after the final whistle, staring into the distance as the magnitude of the defeat sank in.As the medal ceremony began, Spain’s newly crowned world champions lined up to create a guard of honour for the Argentine players on their way to the podium. Messi, leading his teammates, attempted to smile but could not hide his disappointment as he walked through the line of applauding opponents. Several Spain players gently patted him on the back and chest in a touching show of respect for one of football’s greatest icons.The emotional scenes unfolded after Spain ended Argentina’s reign as world champions with a hard-fought victory. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal just 37 seconds into the second period of extra time after being set up by Nico Williams, handing La Roja their second FIFA World Cup title.For Messi, the defeat marked the end of his bid to become a two-time World Cup winner. Twenty years after making his World Cup debut, the 39-year-old was unable to inspire Argentina to become the first nation in more than 50 years to successfully defend the trophy.Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni paid an emotional tribute to his captain after the final.“I hope that everyone feels proud of him, of what he’s achieved because he’s the best football player ever stepping foot on a pitch,” Scaloni said.Spain’s victory was built on complete control throughout the contest. Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated possession, out-passed Argentina 845-433 and finished with a commanding 20-2 advantage in shots, the second-largest shot differential recorded in a World Cup final since statistics began in 1966, according to Opta.The European champions also completed a remarkable tournament by conceding just one goal in eight matches while extending their unbeaten run to a European-record 38 games.Messi, appearing in a record 34th World Cup match across six tournaments, found little joy against Spain’s organised defence. He managed only 15 touches in the opening half and 54 overall, rarely receiving the ball in dangerous areas.Spain coach Luis de la Fuente later revealed the team’s clear objective.“The first idea was to keep Messi at bay,” he said.As Spain celebrated with the World Cup trophy and gold confetti filled the air, Messi quietly left the field wearing his silver medal, shoulders slumped after another unforgettable chapter in one of football’s greatest careers came to a painful end.
