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

Barcelona striker Torres lashed home a thumping finish in the 106th minute to cap a wholly dominant display by Spain against an Argentina side that failed to register a single shot on target in 120 minutes.

A star-studded crowd of 80,663 packed East Rutherford's MetLife Stadium to see if Argentina captain Messi could crown his glittering career with a second World Cup victory.

But the 39-year-old magician was limited to a spectator's role as Spain took control early on against an Argentina side that committed numerous fouls throughout.

The South Americans paid the price, with midfielder Enzo Fernandez sent off after a late challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi in stoppage time.

For long periods, though, it looked as if 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 finally struck.

A lofted cross to the back post from Pedro Porro found Williams, who nodded into the path of Torres to lash home the goal that secured Spain's second World Cup title after their maiden triumph in 2010.

Earlier, a clear sign of Argentina's frustration came in the 15th minute when Alexis Mac Allister flew into a studs-up challenge that caught Dani Olmo on the ankle.

Mac Allister escaped an early yellow card after Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic awarded only a foul.

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

Argentina continued to test referee 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, meanwhile, 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, though, 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.

The Spanish piled on the pressure in a lopsided second half as Argentina hung on grimly.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente sent on Pedri and Ferran 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 efforts that Martinez failed to grasp at the first attempt, but somehow Argentina continued to hold on.

But the arrival of substitutes Williams and Mikel Merino gave fresh impetus to Spain's attack, 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 Argentina down to 10 men heading into extra time.

Martinez produced one last save deep into stoppage time when Yamal's superb whipped free-kick was clawed wide.

-Extra time-

Spain's 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 looked as if Spain had made the breakthrough when Williams slid a low finish into the net, but referee Vincic blew for a marginal foul on Nicolas Otamendi.

But the breakthrough finally came through Torres's winner in the 106th minute. Argentina mounted one last desperate attack on Spain's goal, but La Roja held firm to seal victory.

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