Spain's World Cup-winning captain Rodri will be sidelined for a short period following minor back surgery, Manchester City said on Tuesday.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has condemned the clashes that erupted after his side's World Cup final victory over Argentina, describing the behaviour of some Argentine players as "intolerable" and "unacceptable."

After Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón collected the Golden Glove following La Roja's 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in Monday's World Cup final in New York, there was little debate over whether he deserved to be recognised as the tournament's best goalkeeper.

Spain's midfield linchpin Rodri did not register a single goal or assist in eight matches as La Roja beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the World Cup final in New York on Monday to lift their second world title.

When Luis de la Fuente was appointed Spain's head coach on December 8, 2022, four days after Luis Enrique stepped down following the World Cup round-of-16 penalty shootout defeat to Morocco, the decision puzzled many.

Critics blasted Argentina for dirty tactics and poor sportsmanship during their 1-0 loss to Spain, cementing the country's status as World Cup villain that grew throughout the tournament.

At New York-New Jersey Stadium on Monday, several storylines came full circle in the World Cup final.

It was not the homecoming Argentines had hoped for, four years after millions celebrated their team's tournament victory in 2022, but fresh scenes of joyful chaos filled the street as they danced, sang and set off fireworks to thank the players.

Lionel Messi said on Monday that after Argentina's World Cup final loss "the pain is immense and it's going to take a long time for this wound to heal."

Two of the most contrasting scenes of the FIFA World Cup unfolded within the space of just 24 hours.

Nervous excitement and rowdy cheers turned into anguished groans, nailbiting tension and tears, as Argentines' hope of yet another epic comeback led by Lionel Messi in the World Cup fizzled out against Spain.

The dust has settled. Spain lifted their second World Cup title with a 1-0 victory over an Argentina side that never truly showed up in the all-important final at New York-New Jersey Stadium today.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted Spain were the better team following his team's 1-0 extra-time defeat in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday.

Ferran Torres said his World Cup-winning goal for Spain on Sunday belonged to "47 million people, not just me or the 26 players".

Captured in moments of profound stillness and raw despair, the images reveal the weight of a tournament journey brought to an abrupt and painful end.

Ferran's extra-time winner downs toothless Argentina

Rodrigo De Paul returns in midfield, Gonzalo Montiel starts at right back and Nicolas Gonzalez comes in on the wing for Argentina.

After nearly six weeks of heroics and heartache, thrills and spills, heat, rain and rowing, New York New Jersey stadium was preparing tonight to host the crowning event of the World Cup tournament — the final between coolly confident Spain, aiming for their second world title, and fiery Argentina, defending their crown in what they hope will be the bow on the gift of Lionel Messi's glittering career.

As the curtain falls on a spectacular tournament, The Daily Star Sport team unveils its definitive World Cup Best XI. Lining up in a dynamic 4-3-3 formation, this star-studded lineup balances elite tactical discipline with unstoppable attacking flair.

From record-shattering ticket prices and a star-studded halftime performance to the debut of championship rings and a high-stakes diplomatic guest list, the final is shaping up to be the most consequential sporting event of the decade.