Messi scored Argentina's first shot towards goal
According to Championat.
Context
Lionel Messi, as captain of Argentina, continues to be a central figure in the team, even in difficult times like this. His ability to influence games will be crucial for Argentina as they prepare for the next qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup. The pressure on Messi to lead the team through challenging times is significant, especially after the defeat in the final.
Why this matters
The 2026 World Cup final highlighted Argentina's difficulties in creating offensive opportunities, a crucial factor for their performance in the competition. The team's only shot, made by Messi, illustrates Albiceleste's struggle in a game where the Spanish team dominated tactically. This result could impact Argentina's confidence in its preparation for future challenges, including the next qualifying phase for the 2026 World Cup.
Main conclusions
- Messi scored Argentina's first shot towards the goal.
- Data from Opta indicates that Argentina made its first shot towards Spain's goal in the 117th minute of the final.
- Месси нанёс первый удар Аргентины по воротам Испании в финале ЧМ-2026 на 117-й минуте.
The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina was marked by an unusual statistic: Albiceleste only managed its first shot towards the opponent's goal in the 117th minute, through Lionel Messi. The information was provided by OptaJohan, on the social network X, highlighting the offensive difficulties of the South American team throughout a decision that was resolved in extra time.
According to the same source, Argentina ended the match with just two shots in total, none of which were on target. The first to threaten, although without hitting the target, was captain Lionel Messi, in the final stretch of extra time. Until then, the Spanish team maintained control of events and limited the opponent's opportunities as much as possible, in a tactically tied and enormously intense game.
The decisive moment came at the beginning of extra time: Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute what would be the only goal of the final, making it 1-0 in favor of Spain. With an advantage on the scoreboard and given Argentina's inability to create real danger, the Spanish team managed the result until the final whistle.
Argentina's mission became even more complicated in the regular time compensation period. Enzo Fernández was sent off after 90+3 minutes, leaving his team reduced to ten units for the entire extra time. Outnumbered, the current world champion at the start of the tournament tried to resist, but always found a solid and concentrated Spain.
The 2026 World Cup took place in the United States, Mexico and Canada, between June 11 and July 19, bringing together 48 teams and a total of 104 games spread across 16 stadiums. Argentina reached the final as holders of the title won in Qatar, in 2022, when they beat France in the final after a 3-3 victory in extra time and a 4-2 victory on penalties.
The data revealed by OptaJohan — the first shot towards goal only in the 117th minute and none taken in the entire game — helps to explain the outcome of the final. The Spanish team imposed itself in the duels and in managing the moments of the match, while Argentina, even with Messi trying to take the game to final uncertainty, did not find ways to target the goal with real danger. In total, Ferran Torres' effectiveness at the beginning of extra time and Spain's defensive solidity ended up making the difference in a final decided by details.
What happens next
With Argentina facing a setback in the final, it will be vital for the team to re-evaluate their attacking approach before preparing for the next round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Enzo Fernández's dismissal also raises questions about squad depth and the need for tactical adjustments. The focus now will be on recovering morale and adjusting the strategy to ensure better performance in future competitions.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of the final between Argentina and Spain at the 2026 World Cup?
The final ended with Spain winning 1-0.
Who scored the only goal in the final between Argentina and Spain?
The only goal of the final was scored by Ferran Torres in the 106th minute.
How many shots did Argentina take during the game against Spain?
Argentina made just two shots throughout the game, none of them while
adore with the goal.
When is Argentina's next game after the 2026 World Cup final?
Argentina's next game is not specified in the article.
How did Enzo Fernández's expulsion affect Argentina in the final?
The expulsion of Enzo Fernández in the 90+3 minute left Argentina with ten players throughout extra time.