Spain completed a historic European Championship and World Cup double as Ferran Torres struck deep into extra time to defeat defending champions Argentina 1-0 in a tense final.

The forward’s decisive moment arrived in the 106th minute, capping a night in which Spain’s dominance was clear but, for so long, unrewarded. It was their 20th effort of the match, a thumping finish after Nico Williams cushioned a header into his path. Torres surged between tiring defenders and lashed his shot beyond Emiliano Martínez, who had kept Argentina alive with a series of outstanding saves.

For Lionel Messi, it was a subdued and painful end to his World Cup story. Closely marshalled and starved of service, he touched the ball just 54 times and could not conjure the late magic that has defined so many of his international nights. Argentina failed to register a single shot on target, their threat reduced to a Giuliano Simeone effort in stoppage time of extra time that flew over the bar.

Spain’s triumph echoed their first World Cup win, when Andrés Iniesta struck in extra time against the Netherlands. This time another Barcelona attacker stepped into the role of match-winner, sealing a campaign in which Luis de la Fuente’s side never trailed, conceded only once in eight games and systematically dismantled the pre-tournament favourites and the reigning champions.

Argentina’s resistance was undermined late in normal time when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge, forcing his side to defend even deeper. Spain, already dictating possession, tightened their grip, probing patiently and stretching a tiring back line.

Williams thought he had broken the deadlock early in extra time, only for his goal to be ruled out after Mikel Merino was judged to have caught Nicolás Otamendi in the build-up. The reprieve was brief. Spain continued to swarm forward, their passing and movement eventually overwhelming a side reduced to survival mode.

The final whistle brought both jubilation and flashpoints. Tempers flared as Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina clashed with celebrating Spanish players, with Paredes ultimately sent off after a series of confrontations.

For Spain, the images that will endure are different: Torres racing away in celebration, teammates collapsing in relief, and a new generation confirming its status as the game’s dominant force on the biggest stage of all.