"You made us cry, shout, believe again": Football body consoles Argentina after FIFA World Cup 2026 final loss
New Jersey, July 20
The Argentine Football Association expressed its gratitude to the team after La Albiceleste went down to Spain 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, saying "thank you for how you defended the jersey."
Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after edging defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time, bringing an end to Lionel Messi's title defence and completing an impressive unbeaten campaign in which La Roja conceded just one goal in eight matches.
After the team's loss, the AFA, in an X post, thanked the players for their commitment and fighting spirit, saying they made the nation believe again and would remain "eternal" in the hearts of fans.
"INFINITE THANKS, GUYS! Words fall short to thank you for how you defended the jersey. You made us cry, shout, and, above all, believe again. You're eternal," the AFA said.
Substitute Ferran Torres emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute with a powerful strike into the roof of the net beyond Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
The triumph secured Spain's second men's FIFA World Cup title and their first since lifting the trophy in 2010. For 19-year-old Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal, who was just three years old during Spain's maiden World Cup triumph, it marked the biggest achievement of his young career.
The defeat signalled the end of a remarkable era for Argentina and Messi, who guided his country to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title and Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2024.
Having already won UEFA Euro 2024, Spain now hold both the European and world titles, raising hopes of another dominant era reminiscent of the team's historic run between 2008 and 2012, when they won two European Championships and the FIFA World Cup.
Although Yamal scored only once during the tournament, Spain's success was built on collective performances rather than individual brilliance. Midfielder Rodri controlled games in the middle of the park, Mikel Oyarzabal finished among the tournament's top scorers with five goals, while goalkeeper Unai Simon earned the Golden Glove after a series of standout displays.
Torres also entered the record books by becoming only the fifth substitute to score in a FIFA World Cup final and the first since Germany's Mario Gotze netted the winner against Argentina in the 2014 final. He also became just the second Barcelona player to score in a World Cup final after Andres Iniesta's extra-time winner for Spain in 2010.
Spain's road to the title began with a goalless draw against surprise package Cape Verde before convincing victories over Saudi Arabia (4-0) and Uruguay (1-0) secured top spot in Group H. They then defeated Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32, edged Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16, overcame Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals and beat France 2-0 in the semifinals.
In the final at New York New Jersey Stadium, Spain dominated possession and restricted Argentina to just one shot on target while registering 12 of their own. Argentina were also reduced to 10 men in extra time after Enzo Fernandez was sent off following two yellow cards, allowing Spain to see out the victory and reclaim the World Cup crown.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm from the US but living in India now, and the passion for Messi here is incredible. Watching the final with my Indian friends, everyone was heartbroken when Ferran Torres scored. Argentina's AFA statement is beautiful - they truly made us believe again. Chile 1962, Spain 2010, now 2026 - consistent champions.
Honestly, respect to Argentina for that fighting spirit even with 10 men. Enzo Fernandez's red card changed everything, but they never gave up. Spain's defense was rock solid though - only one goal conceded in the entire tournament! Unai Simon Golden Glove well deserved. Indian football needs to study Spain's system: possession football, youth development, and tactical discipline. We have the population, we just need the vision.
What a match! 😭 Argentina played with such heart. That AFA message made me emotional too. But I have to say - Spain's collective performance was phenomenal. No superstar egos, just pure teamwork. Rodri controlling the midfield, Oyarzabal scoring crucial goals, and that 19-year-old Yamal... India needs to focus on grassroots football. Watching this makes me dream of what we could achieve if we invested properly in sports infrastructure.
Argentina defended that jersey like true warriors. Messi's legacy is already cemented - 2022 World Cup, Copa Americas, everything. Spain were just the better team on the night. As someone watching from Canada, it's amazing to see how football unites the world. India's time will come if we keep supporting the sport.
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