Spain are now reigning champions of Europe and the World following a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday night.
Ferran Torres left it late to help La Roja take advantage of their numerical advantage at MetLife Stadium as La Albiceleste were reduced to 10 men following Enzo Fernandez’s second booking at the end of normal time.
Torres was a late arrival into the box in the 103rd minute to thunder the ball beyond a hapless Emiliano Martinez and hand his nation their second-ever World Cup.
Having only conceded one goal all tournament, Luis De La Fuente’s side didn’t concede a single shot until the extra-time period, and their defensive record sets a new record in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Former USMNT star Alexi Lalas has yet again caused controversy at this summer’s World Cup, this time with a comparison he made between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo during live coverage of Sunday’s final.
Appearing on FOX Sports throughout the tournament, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry are no stranger to a Lalas hot take, and they were once more seen with eyebrows raised at the MetLife Stadium as Lionel Messi and his Argentina side took on Spain.
In the end, it was European champions Spain who stopped La Albiceleste’s world title defence, with Ferran Torres scoring in extra-time to put the final nail in the coffin of a 10-man team after Enzo Fernandez’s dismissal at the end of regular time.
Alexi Lalas’ Controversial Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Comparison
FOX Sports
Lalas has insisted that one legend’s story cannot be told without the other, despite Messi’s international accolades far superior to his adversaries, thus bringing about debate over whether he has far moved beyond Ronaldo this summer. During FOX Sports’ broadcast, he explained:
“You can boo all you want out there. But there is no Messi without Ronaldo. Heroes need villains. Sometimes you need a foil, my friend. It’s important at times. And these players, they have been representative of the World Cup.
“When we do those montages of World Cups going forward in the future, those players are going to be involved. Because you see them, and immediately you think of the World Cup. Immediately, you think greatness, and that is what the World Cup does to an individual. It elevates you even if you’re already famous, even if you’ve already done wonderful things. The World Cup is a whole other level of power and attention.”
Lalas’ assessment isn’t without reason. The core sentiment is that the former USMNT player feels the two players served as essential competitive muses who were necessary for each other to try find another gear. As such, they seemingly pushed each other to unprecedented and historic heights through their iconic rivalry.
It has been over two decades since both of them started their professional soccer career. During their time playing for Barcelona and Real Madrid, Messi and Ronaldo shared the most years (2009-2018) as direct rivals, with only two players winning a Ballon d’Or besides them in that time.
Backlash Has Come Thick and Fast for the US Pundit
REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
The fact Messi has reached three World Cup finals, won a title, and is the second-highest goalscorer in the competition history, means that most would agree his legacy in football’s most prized tournament is untouchable compared to Ronaldo’s. And that’s why Lalas has come under such heavy fire. One X user went as far as to call him an “embarrassment to US football.”
A second added: “When you see Ronaldo’s picture, the last thing you’ll ever do is think of a World Cup!” as a third wrote: “If their WC achievements were flipped, Messi would have been forgotten. Somehow they keep Ronaldo’s name in there.” Elsewhere, a fourth remarked: “Ronaldo’s greatest achievement is being compared to Messi.”
Former FIFA referee Darren Cann has cast a strong verdict on the decision that saw Enzo Fernandez given his marching orders for a second yellow card during the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday night.
Just moments after the Argentina star had been shown a first caution for a heavy tackle on his Spain opponent, the Chelsea midfielder then received a second for showing dissent.
It is unconfirmed that was the case for why the second booking was issued, but commentary seemed to believe so, despite the tackle itself being described by Wayne Rooney as ‘silly’ as well.
Former Referee Casts Verdict on Enzo Fernandez Dismissal in World Cup Final
Maria Lysaker /IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters
Cann, who himself has managed the high-pressure situation of officiating a World Cup final, said while live on duty for the BBC’s coverage:
“Correct, no argument guys, it’s a clear second yellow card for Enzo [Fernandez], and the red card is absolutely correct in my opinion. I do not expect the VAR to intervene.”
