Argentina Player Ratings vs Spain. Argentina’s dream of becoming back-to-back world champions ended in heartbreak after a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Lionel Scaloni’s side battled bravely and defended resolutely for long spells, but Spain’s relentless pressure finally told through Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute goal.
Injuries to key defenders Cristían Romero and Lisandro Martínez disrupted the backline, while the midfield struggled to gain control against a dominant Spanish side. Enzo Fernández’s red card in stoppage time was the defining moment that handed Spain the decisive advantage in extra time.
Ratings at a glance
Player
Rating
Role / Key note
Emiliano Martínez
7/10
Goalkeeper — outstanding saves; kept Argentina in it through 90 mins
Gonzalo Montiel
6/10
Right-back — disciplined; quiet evening; cleared well vs Cucurella
Cristían Romero
6/10
Centre-back — authoritative until injury forced him off
Lisandro Martínez
6/10
Centre-back — key Yamal block; booked; injured before half-time
Nicolás Tagliafico
5/10
Left-back — struggled vs Yamal’s pace; limited offensively
Nico González
5/10
Right wing — failed to justify start; withdrawn at half-time
Alexis Mac Allister
6/10
Midfield — composed under pressure; limited by Spain’s dominance
Enzo Fernández
3/10
Midfield — RED CARD (2nd yellow); anonymous; left team with 10 men
Rodrigo De Paul
5/10
Midfield — never stamped authority; chasing possession all night
Lionel Messi
5/10
Forward — supressed by Spain’s structure; final WC match
Julián Álvarez
5/10
Striker — isolated; lacked service; movement sharp but no chances
Nicolás Otamendi (sub)
6/10
Sub CB — important clearances; organised backline after injuries
Leandro Paredes (sub)
4/10
Sub midfield — yellow card immediately; struggled with Spain’s intensity
Giuliano Simeone (sub)
5/10
Sub winger — energy but blasted over late in extra time
Facundo Medina (sub)
5/10
Sub CB — courageous in difficult situation; eventually breached
Nahuel Molina (sub)
4/10
Sub RB — lost Williams for Torres’ winning goal; costly lapse
Player-by-player ratings
Starters
Emiliano Martínez 7/10
The Aston Villa goalkeeper was Argentina’s standout performer and their best chance of keeping a clean sheet. He produced an early stop to deny Yamal, dealt with Torres’ header, and in extra time kept Argentina alive with two outstanding saves — one denying Nico Williams before the disallowed effort. There was little he could do when Torres finally found the corner. The best player in a losing cause.
Gonzalo Montiel 6/10
Handed a starting role and enjoyed a relatively quiet opening period with Alex Baena rarely threatening his flank. His best contribution came in the second half when he reacted quickly to deny Cucurella a clear shot on goal before making way for a substitute.
Cristían Romero 6/10
Marshalled the defence with authority during the first half alongside Lisandro Martínez and kept Spain’s attackers at bay. Unfortunately his evening ended prematurely with an injury — a cruel setback in what had otherwise been another impressive tournament for the Tottenham defender.
Lisandro Martínez 6/10
Made the outstanding block that prevented Yamal from opening the scoring and defended aggressively throughout. His booking for bringing down Oyarzabal summed up his commitment to the cause. Forced off through injury before half-time, adding to Argentina’s defensive problems.
Nicolás Tagliafico 5/10
Endured a difficult evening against the electric Yamal. Struggled to cope with the teenager’s pace and was fortunate to avoid a booking after hauling him down during one dangerous move. Offered very little going forward and found it hard to influence the game.
Nico González 5/10
Rewarded with a start but failed to justify his selection. Found no joy against Spain’s organised defence, struggled to retain possession and was withdrawn at half-time as Scaloni searched for more control in midfield.
Alexis Mac Allister 6/10
One of Argentina’s more composed midfielders despite the relentless Spanish pressure. Lucky to avoid disciplinary action early on but kept the ball moving whenever Argentina had spells of possession. His influence was ultimately limited by Spain’s dominance.
Enzo Fernández 3/10
A night to forget following his starring role in the semi-final. Completely overrun in midfield as Spain dictated the tempo. His frustration boiled over in stoppage time when a reckless challenge on Cubarsí — his second yellow — left Argentina with ten men for the entirety of extra time. The lowest point in an otherwise fine tournament.
Rodrigo De Paul 5/10
Usually the heartbeat of Argentina’s midfield, De Paul never managed to stamp his authority on this final. Spain’s pressing restricted his ability to drive the team forward and he spent most of the game chasing possession rather than dictating play.
Lionel Messi 5/10
Spain executed their game plan to perfection to nullify football’s greatest player. Messi struggled to find space and was surrounded whenever he received the ball. He tried to inspire his teammates but could not unlock Spain’s disciplined defensive structure. A poignant farewell to the World Cup stage for the greatest player of his generation.
Julián Álvarez 5/10
Worked tirelessly up front but was isolated throughout. With Argentina unable to establish themselves in midfield, the striker rarely threatened Spain’s defence. His movement remained sharp but clear opportunities never materialised.
Substitutes
Nicolás Otamendi 6/10
Introduced after the defensive injury disruption and made several important clearances to organise the backline. Battled bravely alongside the other centre-backs but could not prevent the decisive goal.
Leandro Paredes 4/10
Came on at half-time to add steel in midfield but immediately picked up a needless yellow card. Struggled to cope with Spain’s intensity and looked increasingly frustrated as the match wore on.
Giuliano Simeone 5/10
Brought energy after coming on but failed to make a meaningful impact. His best chance arrived late in extra time, but he lacked composure and blazed over from close range.
Facundo Medina 5/10
Thrown into a difficult situation following Romero’s injury. Defended courageously for long spells but, like the rest of Argentina’s backline, was eventually breached as Spain’s pressure finally told.
Nahuel Molina 4/10
Found life difficult after entering the game. Lost track of Nico Williams during the move that led to Spain’s decisive goal, allowing the winger to head the ball into Torres’ path. A costly lapse on a painful night for Argentina.
Tekra Muthoni is an experienced digital content writer at Yaani Digital Limited, specializing in sports, betting insights, and digital media content. She has contributed extensively to leading platforms such as iWriter, Upwork, SportPesa, and other regional brands, helping scale content visibility through SEO and audience-driven storytelling. Tekra has studied in Faculty of Media and Communications (2023) – Laikipia University.
