WATCH: Spain players form Lionel Messi’s guard of honor after World Cup win

Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) walks among Spain’s players during the medal ceremony (AP/PTI photo) Spain’s players produced one of the defining moments of sportsmanship after winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup, forming a guard of honor for Lionel Messi and Team Argentina as they collected their runners-up medals after the final at MetLife Stadium.Moments after they secured a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina, several Spanish players first crossed the pitch to hug and console Messi, whose hopes of leading his country to back-to-back World Cup titles had just ended.Struggling to make his usual impact against a disciplined Spain defence, the Barcelona legend slumped to the turf after the final whistle and stared off into the distance as the magnitude of the defeat sunk in.At the start of the medal ceremony, newly crowned world champions Spain lined up to form a guard of honor for Argentina’s players on their way to the podium. Leading his teammates, Messi tried to smile but couldn’t hide his disappointment as he walked past a line of cheering opponents. Several Spanish players gently patted him on the back and chest in a touching display of respect for one of football’s greatest icons.Emotional scenes unfolded after Spain ended Argentina’s reign as world champions with a hard-fought victory. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal just 37 seconds into the second period of extra time after being set up by Nico Williams to hand La Roja their second FIFA World Cup title.For Messi, the defeat marked the end of his quest to become a two-time World Cup winner. Twenty years after his World Cup debut, the 39-year-old failed to inspire Argentina to become the first nation in more than 50 years to successfully defend the trophy.Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni paid an emotional tribute to his captain after the final.“I hope everyone will be proud of him, what he has achieved, because he is the best footballer to ever step on the pitch,” Scaloni said.Spain’s victory was built on total control throughout the contest. Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated possession, outscoring Argentina 845-433 and finishing with a commanding 20-2 advantage in shots, the second-highest shot differential in a World Cup finals since statistics began in 1966, according to Opto.The European champions also capped off a remarkable tournament, conceding just one goal in eight matches and extending their unbeaten run to a European record 38 matches.Messi, who appeared in a record 34th World Cup match in six tournaments, found little joy against Spain’s organized defence. He managed just 15 touches in the opening half and 54 overall, rarely receiving the ball in dangerous areas.Spain coach Luis de la Fuente later revealed a clear goal for the team.“The first thought was to keep Messi at bay,” he said.As Spain celebrated the World Cup trophy and gold confetti filled the air, Messi quietly left the pitch with a silver medal, shoulders slumped as another memorable chapter in one of football’s greatest careers came to a painful end.