Spain 1-0 Argentina result, stats and report

Spain grind out a 2-1 win over Belgium in the World Cup 2026, with a late goal sealing it in the 88th minute. Jay Thompson breaks down a match that was more controlled than the scoreline suggests.

Lionel Messi has confirmed his international retirement, revealing his final Argentina appearance came in the World Cup final defeat to Spain on 19 July 2026. The 39-year-old ends his career as Argentina's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player with 207 caps and 125 goals.

Ipswich Town have signed Argentina World Cup winner Exequiel Palacios from Bayer Leverkusen on a four-year deal, the headline arrival in a £150m summer spend that signals genuine top-flight ambition rather than survival mode.

Rodri has completed a £65.4m move from Manchester City to Barcelona, rejecting a direct approach from Real Madrid's José Mourinho, who has since admitted he sensed 'doubts' in the World Cup-winning captain. Barcelona now plan to groom the 30-year-old as Sergio Busquets' long-term successor, while City move to replace him and Real Madrid's Mourinho reboot takes an early credibility hit.

Paris St-Germain have signed World Cup final matchwinner Ferran Torres from Barcelona for a reported €50m, the latest piece in a summer spending spree that also includes Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts. The deal raises fresh questions about Barcelona's finances and PSG's growing dominance of European football.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Cristian Romero's move from Tottenham to Atletico Madrid in a €40m package, ending a summer saga involving Inter, Barcelona, Napoli and Arsenal. The exit closes a pivotal chapter in Spurs' defensive history and raises fresh questions about the club's rebuilding strategy.

Crystal Palace are in advanced talks to sign Real Salt Lake winger Zavier Gozo for around $15m, a fee that would set a new club-record sale for the MLS side and beat out interest from Germany, Spain and England. The move comes despite Pochettino leaving the 19-year-old out of his World Cup squad.