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NPR News: 07-19-2026 11PM EDT

Explore episode Jul 20, 2026

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Spain Wins the 2026 FIFA World Cup — Messi's Last Stand

At 2:07 · chapter starts 2:02

In East Rutherford, New Jersey, history was written in the 106th minute of the 2026 World Cup final when Ferran Torres sent the ball into the net, igniting a frenzy among Spanish players and fans. Spain's defense, impenetrable throughout the tournament with seven shutouts in eight matches, once again proved decisive. Argentina, reduced to ten men for the final half-hour, were unable to find the equalizer their tournament performance deserved. For Spain, the 1-0 victory marks their second World Cup title. For Argentina, it is a heartbreaking near-miss at becoming only the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups. And for the sport itself, the match carries a poignant coda: Steve Futterman noted it was likely the final World Cup appearance for Lionel Messi, closing a chapter on one of football's greatest careers.

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