Spain fans celebrate World Cup win as Messi era nears its close

Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final set off celebrations among Spanish supporters in New York and fueled talk of a new era for the national team. The defeat also left Argentina fans weighing what many saw as the likely end of Lionel Messi’s World Cup story, Al Jazeera reported.

According to Al Jazeera, Spain beat Argentina on Sunday after a scoreless match carried deep into extra time. Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute, 13 minutes after Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off, leaving Lionel Scaloni’s side with 10 men.

Spain had more of the ball and created more chances, Al Jazeera reported, but Argentina stayed in the match long enough to raise fears among Spain fans that penalties could decide it. Charlie Webster, a 27-year-old Spain supporter from England, told Al Jazeera he believed Spain had controlled the match, though he remained wary because Argentina had shown its ability to survive difficult games.

A young Spain team takes the stage

Many Spain fans focused less on the narrow score than on the age and promise of the winning side. Al Jazeera reported that Spain’s squad had an average age of 26, with 19-year-old forward Lamine Yamal among its central figures.

Joanne Wasson, 33, told Al Jazeera she saw symbolism in the widely shared image of a young Messi with an infant Yamal, interpreting Spain’s win as a passing of the torch. Other supporters pointed to Yamal, 23-year-old midfielder Pedri and 19-year-old defender Pau Cubarsi as evidence that Spain may be entering another strong period.

Saray Monzon, 42, who traveled from Spain, told Al Jazeera the team’s success carried national meaning for her. She said the young players reflected Spain’s potential and part of the country’s identity.

Brian Lacey, another fan who came from Spain, told Al Jazeera he viewed the result as a generational shift in football. He described the moment as the beginning of Yamal’s time and said Spanish fans should celebrate the country’s place at the top of the sport.

Argentina fans face a possible farewell

For Argentina supporters in Times Square, Al Jazeera reported, the loss carried a second blow: the prospect that Messi’s run with the national team at the World Cup had reached its end. Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, ending a 36-year wait, with Messi as captain.

A fan identified by Al Jazeera as Lily, who declined to give her last name, held a Messi doll as she reflected on his career. She told Al Jazeera that Messi had given Argentine fans great happiness and compared his achievements with those of Pele.

Marvin Reyes, a 22-year-old of Argentinian descent from New Jersey, told Al Jazeera that Messi had transformed the national team by giving it hope and carrying the responsibility of captaincy. Joaquín Martinez, 48, who traveled from Argentina, said his children had grown up knowing Messi as the face of the team, while he had grown up with Diego Maradona.

Martinez told Al Jazeera that Argentina would have difficult work ahead without Messi. He said the defeat hurt, but accepted it as part of football.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.