Spain 1-0 Argentina Ratings: Emiliano Martinez heroics not enough to stop La Roja’s march to second world title

Ferran Torres was Spain’s hero on Sunday, as La Roja claimed a 1-0 win over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final.

Luis de la Fuente’s men went in as favorites to beat Lionel Scaloni’s side, and the reigning European champions overcame their opponents in a one-sided final, ousting the relegated world champions 20-2.

In a game that saw Lionel Messi fail to shine and Enzo Fernandez receive a second yellow for a hard tackle, the Albiceleste did little justice when it mattered most in New Jersey.

Here, Sports mole provides player ratings for the 2026 World Cup finals.

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Ratings of Spanish players vs. Argentina: Torres cuts deadline for ongoing La Roja

He has a goalkeeper

Unai Simon – 5/10

The Golden Glove winner had little to do throughout the game en route to another clean sheet.

PROTECTION

Pedro Porro – 6/10

Pau Cubarsi – 7/10

The young player of the tournament handled his minor defensive duties with little controversy, winning seven of his 10 duels.

Aymeric Laporte – 6/10

Marc Cucurella – 6/10

He was busy in the build-up and in the attacking third, but little came of it.

THE MIDFIELD

Dani Olmo – 6/10

Rodri – 8/10

The Ballon d’Or winner was in control of the game and was brilliant in his handling, winning 80% of his previous 10 duels and winning three of four before his 99th-minute withdrawal.

Fabian Ruiz – 5/10

ATTACK

Lamine Yamal – 7/10

He missed the first chance and was Spain’s most threatening striker during the match, forcing a save from Emiliano Martinez.

Mikel Oyarzabal – 5/10

He was withdrawn on the hour, ending his impressive finals scoring streak after goals in the 2020 Copa del Rey, 2021 Olympics, 2021 Nations League, 2024 Euros, 2025 Nations League and 2026 Copa del Rey qualifiers.

Alex Baena – 5/10

SUBSTITUTES

Peter – 7/10

He created four chances against a quiet Argentina after coming on before the hour mark, including one of four that was thought to be a poor cut.

Ferran Torres – 6/10

The Spanish hero, emulated Andreas Iniesta with an extra-time goal to win La Roja their second World Cup title.

Mikel Merino – 7/10

An undeniable threat from the bench, he deflected a header in the first half of extra-time, playing a role in the dream that led to Spain’s goal.

Nico Williams – 6/10

Williams set up Torres’ winner, and although he completed one of four dribbles, he gave Spain another attacking point after his introduction in the 75th minute.

Eric Garcia – 5/10

Martin Zubimendi – 5/10

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Ratings of Argentine players vs. Spain: Emiliano Martinez’s heroics go unrewarded

He has a goalkeeper

Emiliano Martinez – 9/10

He made two impressive saves to stop Spain in the first half, one preventing Yamal from scoring the opening goal, setting the tone for a busy night.

Martinez was busy with the stoppage all night, stopping Yamal again with the last kick of normal time to force overtime.

The Aston Villa goalkeeper eventually made 11 saves in defeat, setting a new record in a World Cup final.

PROTECTION

Gonzalo Montiel – 5/10

Cristian Romero – 6/10

Lisandro Martinez – 6/10

He had a good start before taking his place in the first half, minutes after receiving his only booking of 45 games.

Nicolas Tagliafico – 5/10

The 33-year-old had a good game against Yamal, especially against a young guy for 120 minutes of the game.

THE MIDFIELD

Rodrigo De Paul – 4/10

He was also influential without a catch and was withdrawn with 20 minutes of regular playing time as Scloni looked for solutions.

Enzo Fernandez – 2/10

A stupid second yellow left the team with their backs against the wall even more exposed.

Alexis Mac Allister – 5/10

He made mistakes in management and was lucky not to get booked in the first half.

Nicolas Gonzalez – 5/10

Abandoned at halftime after machine play.

ATTACK

Lionel Messi – 4/10

Messi had an ineffective opening 45 minutes, touching the ball 16 times as Argentina failed to score.

It only survived after the Albiceleste fell behind, conceding one of their two attempts, but it was too little for the world champions to be relegated.

Julian Alvarez – 4/10

I had to make a lot of runs which was finally taken by Marcos Senesi in the 102nd minute.

SUBSTITUTES

Nicolas Otamendi – 5/10

Leandro Paredes – 4/10

How did you avoid being fired? Paredes played on the wing after replacing Gonzalez at half-time, and it was a mystery why Slavko Vincic felt sorry for the midfielder after he was booked in the 52nd minute.

Nahuel Molina – 5/10

Facundo Medina – 5/10

Some Giuliano – 4/10

Missed Argentina’s best chance for the final, flaming when it could have forced penalties.

Marcos Senesi – N/A

Introduced Alvarez in overtime.

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