Spain Boss Luis de la Fuente Reveals What His Players Told Him After Beating Argentina

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente hailed his players for fulfilling what he described as their "destiny" after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the FIFA World Cup, calling the triumph the reward for years of hard work and unwavering belief.

Ferran Torres' decisive strike in the second period of extra time settled a tense final, as Spain claimed only the second World Cup title in the nation's history. It also completed a remarkable run for De la Fuente, who has now guided Spain to European titles at under-19, under-21 and senior level before conquering the world.

"It was written, and we deserve it," De la Fuente said after the final in his post-match press conference. "This team and this wonderful fanbase deserve everything. We had a date with destiny and we wanted to make it count."

A visibly emotional De la Fuente began by thanking everyone behind Spain's success, insisting the achievement belonged to far more than the players on the pitch.

"First of all, I thank my coaching staff and all the people who have worked with us," he said. "Without this team, it is impossible to achieve anything."

While describing happiness as difficult to put into words, the 65-year-old admitted pride was the overwhelming emotion.

"It is pride, satisfaction and recognition for wonderful people and exceptional footballers. They are a human group that is going to make history. It is an honour to work with them."

De la Fuente revealed he reminded his players during extra time that they had "an appointment with history" while urging them to remain calm and focused until the final whistle.

"We had the game under control, but against Argentina, at any moment a single action can cost you a goal," he explained. "We kept our concentration until the very last minute."

He also shared a light-hearted exchange from the dressing room after full-time.

"Some players asked me, 'Mister, what do we have left to win now?' We concluded that the next thing to win is the Nations League match in September because this team is tireless."

De la Fuente also offered heartfelt support to Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, who left his post-match press conference in tears after suggesting he may reconsider his future.

"We hugged each other and thanked each other," De la Fuente revealed.

"I want to thank him publicly for everything he has taught me. In our conversations about football, he explained how difficult it is to reach this stage and compete in tournaments like this. His experience has helped me a lot."

The Spain boss added: "I understand how he feels, but he should be very happy with everything he has achieved with Argentina. He has broken records and he is still young. I even told him, 'Leo, you're younger than me. I've got less football left than you.'"

Golden Ball winner Rodri once again received special praise from his manager, who believes the Manchester City midfielder remains among the world's elite.

"We've always said Rodri is the best player in the world," De la Fuente said. "He still has a long way to go and maybe he can win another Ballon d'Or. But we also have other players capable of reaching that level."

The Spain coach also celebrated match-winner Ferran Torres, whose patience finally paid off on football's biggest stage.

"Life is fair," De la Fuente said. "The people who work hard, who fall, get back up and keep fighting are always rewarded in the end. Ferran deserves this. He will go down in history."

De la Fuente also praised teenage star Lamine Yamal for sacrificing individual brilliance for the team's benefit.

"He has played a different kind of football during this tournament, one that will help him grow even more," he said. "We're very grateful because he sacrificed himself for the team. He has had a fantastic World Cup."

For De la Fuente, however, the triumph was about far more than individual accolades.

"This success comes from many years of work," he said. "That's the true value of this group. They are simply incredible."