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Spain’s players produced one of the defining moments of sportsmanship after winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup, forming a guard of honor for Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team as they collected their runners-up medals after the final at MetLife Stadium. Moments after securing a 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina, several Spanish players first walked onto the pitch to hug and console Messi, whose hopes of leading his country to back-to-back World Cup titles had just ended. The Barcelona legend, who struggled to his usual effect against a disciplined Spanish defence, sank to the pitch after the final whistle, staring off into the distance as the enormity of the defeat dawned on him. As the medal ceremony began, newly crowned Spanish world champions lined up to form a guard of honor for Argentina’s players on their way to the podium. Messi, leading his team-mates, tried to smile but could not hide his disappointment as he made his way through the line of applauding opponents. Several Spanish players gently patted him on the back and chest in a touching tribute to 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 extra time after being set up by Nico Williams, giving La Roja their second FIFA World Cup title. For Messi, the defeat marked the end of his attempt to become a two-time World Cup winner. Twenty years after making his World Cup debut, the 39-year-old failed 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 everyone is proud of him, of what he has achieved because he is the best footballer to ever step on the pitch,” Scaloni said. Spain’s victory was built on complete control throughout the contest. Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated possession, outscored Argentina 845-433 and finished with a staggering 20-2 advantage in shots, the second-highest shot differential recorded in a World Cup final since statistics began in 1966, according to Opti. The European champions also completed a remarkable tournament by conceding just one goal in eight games to extend their unbeaten run to a European record 38 games. Messi, appearing in a record 34th World Cup game in six tournaments, had little joy against an organized Spain defence. He managed just 15 touches in the first half and 54 in total, rarely receiving the ball in dangerous areas. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente later revealed a clear goal for the team. “The first idea was to keep Messi away,” he said. As Spain celebrated with the World Cup trophy and gold confetti filled the air, Messi quietly left the pitch carrying his silver medal, shoulders slumped as another memorable chapter in one of football’s greatest careers came to a painful end.
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