Ferran Torres scored an extra-time winner as Spain defeated holders Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup on Sunday, shattering Lionel Messi’s dreams of a triumphant farewell to football’s greatest stage.

The Barcelona striker lashed home a thumping finish in the 106th minute to reward a dominant display by Spain against an Argentina team who failed to register a single shot on target across 120 minutes.

A star-studded crowd of 80,663, including US President Donald Trump, packed East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium to see whether Argentina captain Messi could crown his glittering career with a second World Cup victory.

But the 39-year-old maestro — almost certainly playing in his final World Cup match — was reduced to irrelevance as Spain seized control early on against an Argentina side who committed a catalogue of cynical fouls throughout.

The South Americans’ skulduggery ended with midfielder Enzo Fernandez being sent off after a brutal challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi in injury time.

For long periods, however, it appeared that Argentina might somehow hold on for a penalty shoot-out as Spain struggled to break the deadlock.

But after Nico Williams had a goal controversially disallowed in extra time, Spain struck. A lofted cross to the back post by Pedro Porro found Williams, who nodded into the path of Torres to crash home the goal that would clinch Spain’s second World Cup title, following their maiden triumph in 2010.

A clear sign of Argentina’s frustration came in the 15th minute when Alexis Mac Allister flew in with a studs-up challenge that struck Dani Olmo’s ankle. Mac Allister escaped an early yellow card, with Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic awarding only a foul.

Spain made their presence felt moments later, however, with Alex Baena poleaxing Messi with an elbow to the back that again escaped sanction.

Argentina continued to test Vincic’s patience with a series of niggly challenges, and Nicolas Tagliafico was fortunate not to be cautioned after raking Lamine Yamal’s calf in a clumsy challenge.

Spain continued to probe for openings, but Mikel Oyarzabal failed to seriously test Emi Martinez with a low shot that the Argentina goalkeeper gathered comfortably in the 39th minute.

Eventually, however, Vincic did reach for a yellow card, with Lisandro Martinez booked for a cynical challenge on Oyarzabal. Martinez was substituted shortly afterwards with an apparent injury, with veteran Nicolas Otamendi coming on in his place.

The final’s controversial extended half-time show — featuring the likes of Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber — stretched to 27 minutes but did little to disrupt Spain’s rhythm.

Spain piled on the pressure in a lopsided second half as Argentina hung on grimly. Coach de la Fuente sent on Pedri and Torres for Fabian Ruiz and Oyarzabal, and the chances continued with Argentina in full siege mode.

Yamal twisted away and chipped a cross for Torres, whose downward header was saved by Martinez. Pedri and Cubarsi both lashed long-range shots that Martinez failed to grasp at the first attempt, but somehow Argentina continued to hold on.

The arrival of substitutes Williams and Mikel Merino gave fresh life to Spain’s attacking momentum, and the onslaught continued. Fernandez was booked for dissent in the 82nd minute before Torres and Rodri both fired long-range efforts at Martinez.

Fernandez’s dismissal left Spain with 10 men heading into extra time. Martinez had one last save deep in stoppage time when Yamal’s superb whipped free-kick was clawed wide.

Spanish dominance continued in extra time, with Williams almost opening the scoring with a glancing header that Martinez got down well to save one-handed. Moments later it appeared Spain had made the breakthrough when Williams slid a low finish into the net, but Vincic blew for a marginal foul on Otamendi.

The breakthrough came with Torres’s winner on 106 minutes. Argentina made a desperate final raid on Spain’s goal, but La Roja held firm to seal victory.