Pedro Porro Pays Heartfelt Tribute As Unai Simón Explains How Spain Silenced Messi's Argentina in World Cup Final

Spain's long wait to become world champions again finally came to an end with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina, and two of their standout performers, Pedro Porro and Unai Simón, offered emotional insights into the journey that delivered the nation's second FIFA World Cup title.

While Ferran Torres etched his name into Spanish football folklore with the decisive goal, Porro and Simón reflected on the sacrifices, unity and resilience that had carried Luis de la Fuente's side to glory.

For Porro, the victory carried deep personal significance.

The Tottenham Hotspur defender revealed that one message from his grandfather had stayed with him throughout the tournament.

"I've been chasing this dream since I was a little boy," Porro said in his post-match player interview. "A few days ago my grandfather told me, 'Bring it home, son.' Right now, I just want to get out of here and call him because he'll be so happy and emotional, just like I am."

Despite lifting football's biggest prize, Porro admitted the magnitude of Spain's achievement had yet to sink in.

"I'm very happy, but also in shock because I still don't believe it. I think the next few days will pass and I still won't believe we've done it."

He also thanked supporters across Spain and his family for their unwavering backing.

"I can't imagine what Spain is like right now. Without my family, both those here and back in Extremadura, none of this would have been possible."

Porro also acknowledged the quality of Argentina after an intense and physical final.

"Everyone knows Argentina are a competitive team. That's their way of playing, and I respect it. They've had a fantastic World Cup and deserved to be in the final. It was a great match, and fortunately it went our way."

The defender praised match-winner Ferran Torres, insisting the Barcelona forward had earned his moment after facing criticism.

"His mentality is spectacular. He works incredibly hard at Barcelona and with Spain. There have been people who were very unfair to him, but life rewarded him today. He scored the goal that won us the World Cup. He deserves it."

Porro also reserved special praise for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

"He's an incredible player. He's still so young, and today he's become a World Cup winner. It's probably the greatest moment of both our lives."

Looking back on the tournament, Porro insisted Spain's greatest strength was togetherness.

"The biggest moment wasn't one match. It was the unity of all 26 players throughout these 50 days. That's what made the difference. I hope everyone in Spain is proud that we've brought home a second star."

Goalkeeper Unai Simón, who finished the tournament having conceded just one goal in eight matches, admitted becoming world champion still felt surreal.

"When the referee blew the final whistle, I didn't even react emotionally. I just thought, 'We've done it.' I think we'll only truly realise what we've achieved when we return to Spain."

Simón credited De la Fuente for creating the atmosphere that underpinned Spain's success.

"In a tournament where you're together for more than 50 days, managing the group is everything. The coach has been extraordinary. Tactically, you give players a few ideas, but over 51 days you need someone who manages emotions. He's been our leader and our example."

The Athletic Club goalkeeper said that Spain's consistency after the opening draw against Cape Verde ultimately defined their campaign and helped them defeat Argentina.

"We maintained our identity in attack and defence throughout all eight matches, in both good moments and difficult ones. That's what allows you to reach a final and become world champions."

Reflecting on Spain's celebrations, Simón urged supporters to savour a triumph that had been 16 years in the making.

"We've waited 16 years for another moment like this. They should enjoy it because they supported us every step of the way."

He also downplayed his own defensive record, insisting Spain's remarkable achievement belonged to the entire squad.

"My gloves didn't have to work as much as some other goalkeepers because of my teammates. Conceding just one goal is something we achieved together, and I'm incredibly proud of everyone."

For Spain, the second star above the crest now represents more than just a trophy. It is the reward for years of growth, belief and a squad that never stopped trusting the process.