NEW YORK CITY – Immediately after the final whistle, a party for La Roja fans began in Times Square.
For many, Spain’s determined victory over Argentina on Sunday in soccer’s most prestigious competition meant more than just a victory.
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It marked the beginning of a new golden era for Spanish football, led by a national team with an average age of 26 and a platinum-footed forward in 19-year-old Lamine Yamal.
Joanne Wasson, 33, tweeted: “It’s like fate.” I couldn’t help but see the symbolism in the image that went viral online of Argentina’s emerging adult Lionel Messi and his infant son Yamal.
“There was a picture of Messi giving Lamine (Yamal) a bath and now he is handing him the trophy.”
Admittedly, the final was not an easy one. Spain may have dominated possession and vastly outscored Argentina in chances, but Messi’s side proved to be a stubborn opponent, keeping the score 0-0 until late in extra time.
Enzo Fernandes’ red card in the 93rd minute reduced Argentina to 10 men, but it was not an instant death sentence for La Albiceleste. Ferran Torres’ goal in the 106th minute made it happen 13 minutes later.
“Spain controlled the game from start to finish,” said fan Charlie Webster, 27, a lifelong Spain supporter from England.
“They deserved the win, but Argentina knows how to break up games. I was a little nervous because it was like a lottery ticket if it went to penalties.”
“It’s clear that any team that plays against Argentina is at a disadvantage because they bring fans to every game,” he said. “But the best team won.”
For Sarai Monzon, 42, who traveled from Spain for the match, the win represented something deeper for her country.
“We’re really proud of them,” she said of Spain’s young team, which also includes 23-year-old midfielder Pedri and 19-year-old defender Pau Kvarsi.
“I think they represent all the potential we have as a country. They represent part of the humanity of the Spanish people.”
Brian Lacey, who also traveled from Spain for the match, also witnessed a change of football talent.
“This is the beginning of a generation,” he said. This is a generational change, because Messi is over and now it’s Lamine Yamal’s time.
“What next?” he wondered. “The Euros? The next world championship?”
“In sports, soccer is at the top of the world. Spain is at the top of the world,” he said.
“We need to celebrate. Don’t look at the past or the future, look at the fact that we are world champions.”
Argentina fans reflect on the end of an era
Meanwhile, Argentine fans faced not only the loss of a championship, but also the almost certain demise of a man credited with returning the country to its footballing glory days.
Lily, an Argentina national team fan who declined to give her last name, cradled a Messi doll in her arms in Times Square.
“He did something that no one has done, not even Pele,” she said, referring to the Brazilian icon. “Pele has only reached the final twice, but Messi has taken us to the third.”
“He gave us so much happiness,” she said.
Marvin Reyes, a 22-year-old of Argentinian descent from New Jersey, said Messi’s role was transformative for the national team, which broke a 36-year World Cup drought with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“What did he do for the national team?” he asked. “all.”
“He just gave them hope and stepped up as captain,” Reyes said. “He really carried the team on his shoulders.”
Joaquín Martínez, 48, who traveled from Argentina, recalled how his 12- and 11-year-old sons didn’t know any team leaders other than Messi.
“For me, Maradona was everything, but for the kids it was Messi,” he said, referring to 1986 world champion Diego Maradona.
“Messi is Messi. Now that Messi is gone, the team will have a lot of work to do.”
“After today’s game, of course I don’t feel well,” he added. “But this is football.”
