A Final That Left Me Disappointed: Spain Were Worthy World Champions

As someone who has passionately supported Argentina for decades, writing this is not easy.

Like millions around the world, I desperately wanted to see Lionel Messi end what is almost certainly his final FIFA World Cup with another winners’ medal. Instead, what unfolded in New York was a disappointing display from an Argentine side that abandoned the attacking football that has made them such a joy to watch.

Spain deserved to be crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions.

From the opening whistle, Spain controlled possession, dictated the tempo and remained faithful to their football philosophy. Argentina, by contrast, retreated deeper and deeper, seemingly content to frustrate rather than create. They failed to register a meaningful attacking threat for almost the entire match, with Spain eventually breaking through in extra time when Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute.

What saddened me most, however, was not the defeat.

It was the manner in which Argentina responded.

As the pressure mounted, discipline disappeared. Enzo Fernández was sent off, tempers boiled over after the final whistle and several players became involved in ugly confrontations that had no place on football’s biggest stage. Commentators across Europe described Argentina’s behaviour as “classless” and unworthy of a World Cup final.

For a nation that has produced icons such as Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, the image left behind was deeply disappointing.

Football should always be about skill, creativity and courage. Argentina’s defensive, overly physical approach—what many supporters would describe as “anti-football”—allowed Spain to dominate proceedings. While every team has the right to defend, there is a difference between disciplined defending and simply trying to disrupt the game. Spain remained patient, trusted their system and, ultimately, football was rewarded.

This should not overshadow what has been an extraordinary era for Argentine football. Winning the 2022 World Cup, two Copa América titles and reaching another World Cup final represents one of the greatest periods in the country’s football history. Lionel Messi has given football memories that will last forever, and nothing that happened in this final diminishes his remarkable legacy.

But great teams are also judged by how they lose.

Spain showed composure, technical excellence and tactical maturity throughout the tournament, conceding just one goal on their way to lifting the trophy. Their triumph felt like a victory for football played the right way.
As disappointed as I am as an Argentina supporter, I have no hesitation in saying congratulations to Spain. They were the better side, they played the better football, and they are thoroughly deserving world champions.

Sometimes the hardest words for a football fan to write are also the truest.

Well played, Spain.