ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — A vibrant mix of cheers, applause, and heartache filled Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill on Sunday, as eager soccer enthusiasts gathered to witness the thrilling FIFA World Cup final showdown between Argentina and Spain.
Globally, screens flickered with anticipation for the big match, and fans in St. Petersburg shared in the excitement, glued to every moment of the game.
Within the lively walls of Ferg’s, jubilation erupted from Spain supporters who celebrated their team’s narrow 1-0 triumph over the reigning champions, Argentina. Meanwhile, the Argentine faithful were left in a silent, stunned silence, their faces painting a picture of disappointment.
“It was fantastic, unbelievable, amazing, simply amazing,” a thrilled Spain fan exclaimed shortly after the decisive win.
Conversely, the atmosphere among Argentina’s fans was a stark contrast, heavy with solemnity.
“Disappointment. Messi should have won. We should have won,” another fan said.
Spain’s victory marks its second FIFA World Cup championship and first in 16 years.
“It really was Argentina’s awesome offense versus Spain’s crazy defense,” Keyshla Moreno said. “I knew it was going to be a close game.”
The championship also marked 19-year-old Lamine Yamal’s first World Cup title.
Many fans reflected on a widely shared photo taken nearly two decades ago showing Lionel Messi holding a baby Yamal during a promotional photoshoot.
“It was very much the old generation versus the new generation,” Moreno said. “It’s kind of poetic with that picture of Lionel Messi and Yamal. It felt like passing the torch.”
The match was also widely expected to be Messi’s final World Cup appearance.
“He’s like a god out there,” said Luis Rojas, who is of Argentine descent. “There will never be another Messi. There will never be another Argentina team like this.”
Not everyone believes Messi’s World Cup career is over.
“I don’t think it’s his last game,” Daniel Pina said. “I think there’s more to it, and I feel like he’s coming back.”
Pina is already looking ahead to the next tournament.
“Maybe 2030. Maybe we’ll get that trophy and see what happens,” he said.
The final was historic regardless of the outcome.
Argentina entered the match looking to defend its World Cup title and capture a fourth championship, while Spain was seeking its second title and achieved that goal 16 years after its first.
For fans packed inside Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill, it was a match they won’t soon forget.