Mikel Merino takes Messi shot in face as Spain holds on to World Cup lead

Spain was looking to win at all costs in the final minutes of the 2026 World Cup final.

Spain secured the 1-0 victory over Argentina despite a late shot attempt by Lionel Messi in 117th minute of the game.

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Spain midfielder Mikel Merino was willing to put his body on the line by standing in front of Messi’s shot attempt.

Messi’s kick delivered the ball right to the face of Merino.

Merino spent a moment on the ground before collecting himself and continuing to play out the final minutes of the game.

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Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship

The World Cup final brings together two of soccer’s biggest stars as Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal chase the sport’s biggest prize.

See the must‑see photos from the championship match as the tournament reaches its conclusion.

Above, Argentina’s Lionel Messi during the warm up before the match.

(Hannah McKay, REUTERS)

1 / 9

Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship

The World Cup final brings together two of soccer’s biggest stars as Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal chase the sport’s biggest prize.

See the must‑see photos from the championship match as the tournament reaches its conclusion.

Above, Argentina’s Lionel Messi during the warm up before the match.

(Hannah McKay, REUTERS)

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Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship

(ODD ANDERSEN, AFP via Getty Images)

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Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship

General view of the tattoo of Argentina’s Lionel Messi during the warm up before the match.

(Hannah McKay, REUTERS)

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Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship

Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo during the warm up before the match.

(Dylan Martinez, REUTERS)

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Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship

Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez during the warm up before the match.

(VINCENT CARCHIETTA, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

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Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship

Spain’s Rodri during the warm up before the match.

(Amanda Perobelli, REUTERS)

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Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship

Spain’s Lamine Yamal during the warm up before the match.

(Dylan Martinez, REUTERS)

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Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship

Argentina players during the warm up before the match.

(Mike Segar, REUTERS)

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Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship

Spain players during the warm up before the match.

(JAMES LANG, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mikel Merino takes Messi shot in face as Spain holds on to World Cup lead