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Rodri and Spain were crowned champions of the world after a narrow extra-time victory over Lionel Messi and Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday.
A Ferran Torres strike in the 106th minute sealed a historic 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and at the heart of every defining moment was Manchester City’s Rodri – a player who has made a habit of turning adversity into triumph.
The 30-year-old midfielder, returning from a serious ACL injury suffered almost two years ago, was imperious throughout. Leading the press, dictating tempo and suffocating Argentina’s creative outlets – including a near-anonymous Lionel Messi – Rodri completed 101 of 106 passes
The statistics told the full story of Spain‘s dominance: 20 attempts on goal to Argentina’s two, and a staggering 0.00 xG conceded until late in extra time.
The deadlock held through 90 tense minutes, until Enzo Fernández‘s second yellow card in stoppage time shifted the balance decisively. Moments into the second period of extra time, substitute Torres met a loose ball in the box and drove it home via the underside of the crossbar.
Messi, chasing a fairytale farewell, was denied even a shot on target. Spain’s collective shape – built around Rodri’s mastery in the engine room – snuffed out the Argentine genius completely.
It was the ultimate statement from a midfielder who already holds the 2024 Ballon d’Or, and now has a World Cup Winner’s medal and Golden Ball to place beside it.
“We are two-time world champions,” Rodri said afterwards. “It is an example of overcoming adversity, you have to believe.”
Rodri match statistics vs Argentina
Expected Goals (xG) – 0.03
Expected Goals on Target (xGOT) – 0.00
Expected Assists (xA) – 0.11
Accurate Passes – 101/106 (95%)
Shots off Target – 1
Shot Accuracy – 0/1 (0%)
Defensive contributions – 4
Touches in Opposition Box – 1
Successful Dribbles – 1/1 (100%)
Passes into Final Third – 15
Accurate Long Balls – 8/9 (89%)
Non-penalty xG – 0.03
Defensive Contributions – 4
Ground Duels Won – 8/10 (80%)
Aerial Duels Won – 0/0 (0%)
Data courtesy of Fotmob.
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Source: Cityxtra.co.uk
