Finally justice was done in the MetLife Stadium.
The one team who came to play football won against the kings of anti-football.
Ferran Torres was Spain’s hero even if it needed extra time to see off Lionel Messi and Co as holders Argentina lost their grip on the World Cup trophy.
Messi’s dreams were left in tatters as this did not feel a remotely fitting way for one of football’s greatest players of all time to bow out if this proves to be his final act for his country.
Argentina were dreadful, they did not manage a single shot on target and it felt as if they had no ambition to win the game. Enzo Fernandez was sent off in injury time at the end of 90 minutes and that just about summed up their ugly, spoiling and nasty approach.
And Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes greeted the final whistle by sparking a melee and swinging punches at celebrating Spain stars.
In contrast, Spain ushered in a new world order as the European champions now rule the world and they were utterly dominant in a final which did not really live up to its billing.
They thoroughly deserved their win and their stylish football helped us focus on the pitch and forget the silly showbiz that FIFA tried to impose on their showcase game.
Spain had so many chances, so many near misses and Emiliano Martinez was Argentina’s hero with an incredible performance as he produced at least a dozen saves.
That is the one flaw in Spain’s make-up – they do not have a goal poacher who can finish off their wonderful, free-flowing approach play.
It needed a flick on from Nico Williams to set up Torres to finally seal the victory which sparked wild scenes of celebrations among the sea of red shirts in the crowd.
This was their day and a victory for football over spoilers but also helped the purists savour the game and quickly forget about lavish pre-match and half time shows.
They had music, light shows and a bizarre half set which left most of the crowd cold amid the blazing sun in New Jersey.
The true football fans had come for the game and Argentina had just run out of dirty tricks, energy and legs after their exertions against England.
Mind you, Thomas Tuchel’s men must have been watching on from holiday and be thinking they would have given a better account of themselves than Argentina.
They were woeful. Never looked like retaining their trophy – they wanted to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to do that – and they looked a spent force.
Spain were bright, dominant and Rodri conducted them from midfield as they created chance after chance but were thwarted by Martinez.
Lamine Yamal did not really step up but had a good game and yet they just could not score. Lisandro Martinez went off injured for Argentina and they became the walking wounded after so many comebacks in this World Cup.
Pedri, Torres and Mikel Merino all went close while Williams had an effort ruled out as you began to wonder whether they would score.
Even after Fernandez’s red card – for a second yellow after a foul on Pau Cubarsí – did not help Spain as Argentina dug in to try and hold on for penalties.
It felt like it was heading that way until Torres’ intervention. Then – and only then – did we see signs of life from Argentina.
They pushed, Messi tried and they went close but Spain were superior and deserved their win.
This Argentina side looked to have reached the end of the road. Too many ageing players. Surely Messi will call it quits at 39 or he will certainly retire before the next World Cup.
Mentality and fight has carried them a long way in this tournament – and that is to be admired. If only England had as much.
But they were undone by a much better footballing side and Spain are now kings of the world again. And deservedly so.
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