Messi had carried Argentina back to the final with eight goals and several decisive performances throughout the knockout stage.
The 39-year-old entered the championship match with an opportunity to add another honor to a career that already included the 2022 World Cup title, eight Ballon d’Or awards and virtually every major individual prize in the sport.
Spain never allowed him to seize it.
Its midfield controlled possession while its defenders closed the spaces Messi typically exploits between the lines. Argentina spent long stretches without the ball and managed only two shots, neither of which tested Spain’s goalkeeper.
Emiliano Martínez repeatedly kept Argentina alive at the opposite end, making a succession of saves as Spain generated 20 attempts. But the pressure finally told in extra time when Nico Williams found Torres, whose finish delivered Spain its second World Cup championship.
The clean sheet completed a remarkable tournament for Spain, which conceded only one goal and recorded seven shutouts during its title run.
That record-breaking defense also ensured Messi’s scoring total remained at eight.
