Shadows had crept across MetLife Stadium as a tedious World Cup final dominated by Spain at an absurd clip lurched into extra time without a breakthrough Sunday. Lionel Messi and Argentina had no business clinging to hope of a second consecutive championship after failing to create a shot and or even link a few passes.

Spain stands alone on top of the world. Here are four takeaways from the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

Lionel Messi wiped the sweat from his forehead and breathed a sigh of relief. His Argentina teammates did the same. A thrilling, unforgettable World Cup match with underdog Cape Verde was over — and the defending champions survived after being pushed to the brink.

Lionel Messi, at age 39, leads the World Cup Golden Boot race with seven goals after his first-half goal vs. Cape Verde on Friday in Miami.

To live forever is for the world to know you by just one word. Messi is there with the likes of Jordan, Ali, Brady, Bolt, Serena, Phelps and a select few other all-timers