A Genius Too Alone in Farewell Against the Rightful Champions

During the final, I remarked in the newsroom that it felt reminiscent of 1990. That Argentina squad, with a hobbled Diego Maradona, had to lead a team with many questionable talents against a more gifted and cohesive German side. Messi wasn't injured heading into the decisive match against Spain, but 39 years weigh heavily, especially on his once-unrivaled ability to unbalance defenses in one-on-one situations – a master key against any tactical setup he faced.

'La Roja' boasts its top players in a very different phase. They have more solutions and a deeper squad. More talent, all told. And a more consolidated philosophy, an identity that spans decades. They were the better team and deserved that second star on their crest. It wasn't always clear-cut, but no one matched their level throughout the entire World Cup.

Even so, this isn't the superlative Spain that dominated the world from 2008 to 2012, conquering two continental tournaments and a World Cup. This is a different 'Roja,' with a more versatile, yet less overwhelming and suffocating, approach. It's never easy to reinvent an idea that eventually runs its course, and for that reason, this is a fine piece of work by Luis de la Fuente, who now adds a World Cup to his European Championship success.

Scaloni tried, Messi tried. I'm unsure if the Argentine coach will continue, given the immense emotion he carries into every challenge and the weariness he sometimes can't hide. However, it's impossible not to empathize with the man and applaud all his efforts. 'The Flea's' farewell might influence that decision.

Argentina wasn't brilliant in the final — and Enzo, by getting sent off, only complicated matters further — but they deserved to reach it. They played with heart and soul, and with good football too. Yet, the outcome in New Jersey, with such Spanish superiority, brings a sense of rightness to the game. Even if Leo deserved a different farewell. Even if we already miss him dearly.