The 2026 FIFA World Cup final saw Spain defeat Argentina in a tense battle that required extra time to separate the two sides. Argentina defended stubbornly despite an injury to Lisandro Martínez and Enzo Fernandez's costly red card, but Spain's pressure eventually told when substitute Ferran Torres emerged as the hero.
It was a night when Spain's patience, squad depth and tactical control ultimately prevailed, while Lionel Messi endured an unusually quiet outing on the biggest stage.
Here are our Argentina vs Spain player ratings from the 2026 FIFA World Cup final:
Spain Player Ratings vs Argentina
Goalkeeper & Defence
Unai Simon – 7/10
Barely had a save to make, highlighting Spain's dominance. However, Simon remained alert and came off his line effectively on several occasions to prevent potentially dangerous Argentina attacks.
Pedro Porro – 7/10
Held the width well and helped Spain circulate possession, although his final ball was often lacking. Still produced a few promising moments going forward.
Pau Cubarsi – 8/10
Another hugely mature performance. Covered Argentina's long balls superbly, remained composed in possession and was involved in the incident that resulted in Enzo Fernandez's second yellow. His miraculous late block helped seal the World Cup. At this rate, Cubarsi is on course to become one of the world's best defenders.
Aymeric Laporte – 7/10
Calm and composed throughout. Saw plenty of the ball and recycled possession efficiently while providing maturity and leadership at the back.
Marc Cucurella – 8/10
Excellent. Helped neutralise Messi, offered attacking thrust and never backed away from the physical battle. Once again delivered on the international stage and was among Spain's best performers.
Midfield
Rodri – 8/10
The heartbeat of Spain. Rodri controlled the tempo and space from the middle of the pitch, producing another midfield masterclass on the biggest stage.
Fabian Ruiz – 6/10
Created a couple of opportunities and contributed to Spain's dominance in midfield, although he lacked a decisive moment.
Dani Olmo – 7/10
Intelligent movement and tidy possession, but sometimes guilty of overplaying when a more direct approach was required.
Attack
Lamine Yamal – 8/10
Lively early before Argentina became increasingly physical with him. Grew into the contest and remained a constant threat whenever given space.
Mikel Oyarzabal – 6/10
Managed just 25 touches and completed 11 passes. Produced a few dangerous moments but was largely ineffective against Argentina's deep defence.
Alex Baena – 6.5/10
Looked slightly awkward on the left wing. Linked play nicely but couldn't provide the explosive pace Spain needed to stretch Argentina.
Substitutes & Manager
Pedri – 7/10
Added attacking intent and creativity after coming on.
Ferran Torres – 9/10
The hero of the World Cup final. Missed opportunities earlier but delivered when it mattered most, scoring the winner to fire Spain to glory.
Nico Williams – 8.5/10
A game-changing substitution. His pace, directness and creativity transformed Spain's attack and provided the spark they had been missing.
Mikel Merino – 6/10
Added physicality but missed a good opportunity.
Martin Zubimendi – N/A
Provided fresh legs in midfield during extra time.
Eric Garcia – N/A
Helped Spain see out the closing stages.
Luis de la Fuente – 10/10
A tactical triumph. Spain controlled proceedings without finding the breakthrough in normal time, but De la Fuente's substitutions eventually changed the final. Back-to-back major international trophies represent a remarkable achievement.
Argentina Player Ratings vs Spain
Goalkeeper & Defence
Emiliano Martinez – 9/10
Argentina's outstanding performer. Made numerous crucial saves and kept his team alive for long periods. Could do little about the winner and deserved better considering his individual display.
Nicolas Tagliafico – 8/10
Outstanding defensively, producing more defensive contributions than anyone on the pitch. His work against Yamal helped force Spain to explore alternative routes of attack.
Lisandro Martinez – 5/10
Picked up a needless yellow card before injury cruelly ended his final early. A disappointing conclusion to a game in which he could have been hugely influential.
Cristian Romero – 6/10
Also forced off through injury. Solid enough before departing but wasn't required to make many decisive interventions.
Gonzalo Montiel – 7/10
Produced important defensive work, including a crucial second-half clearance, before being replaced.
Midfield
Nico Gonzalez – 5/10
A surprise starter but failed to make an impact and was withdrawn at half-time.
Alexis Mac Allister – 5/10
Worked hard defensively but couldn't establish any control in midfield. Well below his usual standards.
Enzo Fernandez – 3/10
Potentially the moment that cost Argentina the World Cup. Already booked for dissent, Fernandez made a reckless challenge on Cubarsi and deservedly received his second yellow. A costly lack of discipline on the biggest stage.
Rodrigo De Paul – 4/10
Produced some decent work on the right but struggled to influence proceedings. An underwhelming display.
Attack
Julian Alvarez – 4/10
Plenty of running but virtually no attacking impact. Argentina's approach didn't help him, but a player of Alvarez's quality would have expected to offer far more.
Lionel Messi – 3/10
One of Messi's quietest performances on the biggest stage. Spain marshalled him superbly, restricting his touches and forcing him into harmless wide areas. The Argentine icon was practically invisible for long stretches as Spain executed their defensive plan to perfection.
Substitutes & Manager
Nicolas Otamendi – 7/10
Impressive after being introduced early. Made several important interventions and repeatedly helped Argentina escape dangerous situations.
Leandro Paredes – 1/10
A disastrous cameo. Booked shortly after coming on and continued walking a disciplinary tightrope. His overly aggressive approach offered Argentina little in possession and he was fortunate not to see red during the game.
Nahuel Molina – 5/10
Struggled as Spain increasingly targeted his flank and crucially lost Nico Williams in the build-up to the winner.
Facundo Medina – 6/10
Initially provided defensive stability but naturally became less effective once Argentina needed to chase the game.
Giuliano Simeone – 3/10
A nightmare ending. Lost his man during Spain's winner before blazing a late opportunity to equalise over the bar, a chance Argentina will replay in their minds for years.
Marcos Senesi – 4/10
Introduced shortly before the decisive goal and struggled to make an impact.
Lionel Scaloni – 5/10
Argentina never established control. Injuries and Fernandez's red card made Scaloni's task incredibly difficult, but his side lacked tactical answers to Spain's dominance. Given the attacking talent at his disposal, particularly Lionel Messi, the ultra-defensive approach will inevitably face scrutiny.
Ultimately, the 2026 FIFA World Cup final belonged to Spain. Rodri controlled the battlefield, Cucurella and Cubarsi stood tall at the back, Nico Williams changed the contest, and Ferran Torres delivered the decisive blow. For Argentina and Messi, however, it was a painful night defined by injuries, indiscipline and an inability to impose themselves when it mattered most.
