Is Messi the GOAT? How Spain Dominated Argentina in the Final

Spain produced one of the most commanding performances ever seen in a FIFA World Cup final, defeating Messi and Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift the 2026 World Cup trophy.

While the scoreline was narrow, the match statistics painted a completely different picture as Spain controlled the game from start to end.

Luis de la Fuente’s side enjoyed 65% possession and completed 762 passes at an accuracy of 89%. Spain registered 20 shots, including 12 on target, while creating four big chances.

Argentina, on the other hand, struggled to create any attacking threat.

Lionel Scaloni’s side managed just two shots throughout the match and failed to register a single shot during the first 90 minutes. They also failed to record a shot on target.

The official match statistics highlighted Spain’s superiority:

• 65% possession to Argentina’s 35%
• 20 shots to Argentina’s 2
• 12 shots on target to Argentina’s 0
• Four big chances were created for Argentina’s none
• Nine corners to Argentina’s four

Argentina Made Unwanted World Cup History

Argentina became the first team in the last 60 years to go through the opening 90 minutes of a FIFA World Cup final without attempting a single shot.

The record underlined just how effectively Spain’s midfield and defence neutralised Lionel Messi and the defending champions throughout regulation time.

Also Read:OPINION: Is the GOAT Debate Finally Over? Why Messi Now Stands Alone

Messi Silenced by Spain’s Relentless Pressure

Lionel Messi entered the final after another outstanding World Cup campaign, leading Argentina with crucial goals and assists on their way to the final.

However, Spain denied the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner the space and time he usually enjoys.

Argentina rarely threatened in attack as Spain’s pressing and ball control kept Messi and his teammates away from dangerous areas for most of the match.

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Ferran Torres Delivers the Winning Moment

Spain’s dominance finally paid off in extra time when substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal after a good assist from Nico Williams.

Argentina’s resistance ended shortly afterwards when Enzo Fernández was sent off, leaving the defending champions with 10 men as Spain comfortably won the match.

Is Lionell still the GOAT?

The defeat has reignited the long-running debate over whether Messi remains football’s greatest player.

One disappointing final is unlikely to erase a career filled with historic achievements, including a World Cup title in 2022, multiple Ballon d’Or awards, Champions League trophies and countless individual records.

However, the 2026 final also demonstrated how a well-organised team can neutralise even football’s greatest stars.

Spain’s tactical discipline, relentless pressing and midfield control left Argentina with virtually no attacking opportunities, producing one of the most dominant performances ever seen in a World Cup final.

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Argentina captain Lionel Messi lifts the FIFA World Cup trophy after his team’s victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final. PHOTO/Sky Sports News