This final was not so different from America’s last, in 1994, when Brazil prevailed over Italy on penalties after an uneventful, barren match. Roberto Baggio that day in Pasadena was the man who died standing. No missed penalty, but did Messi feel so different from Baggio here? Argentina’s era is over, while Messi’s hopes of elongating his own served a damning blow. He was nullified, totally. This Spain will do that. Even to him, as it turned out.

Lisa Paul, 47, survived breast cancer in 2012 but has now been told she has just months to live after a cervical cancer diagnosis.

A brave Scot has been told she only has months to live after being diagnosed with cervical cancer 13 years after she recovered from another strain of the cruel disease.

But Lisa Paul, 47, said she “isn’t ready to die” and her devastated family and friends are now trying to raise cash for treatment abroad in a bid to extend her life.

Lisa, who won her battle with breast cancer in 2012, told our sister title Edinburgh Live: “Last October, I got diagnosed with cervical cancer and then in March it had spread to the liver, stomach, around my pelvis, bone marrow, my leg and my hip – it’s just everywhere now.

“One night before the diagnosis, I passed out with the pain and it was excruciating. It was all from the bottom, I never had any pain from the front. I went to the Royal and they could feel the tumour.

“I wasn’t completely shocked because when you’ve had cancer it never fully leaves you. I was surprised it was cervical though because it was completely random – I just couldn’t believe I had got two different cancers.

“I was in hospital for three months because they couldn’t stop the pain and I was released from hospital in February. I started to feel good and then in March I ended up back in hospital because the pain in my sides was unbearable.

“That’s when I was told it was stage four and then a few days ago I was told I only had a couple months – maybe less. I keep on pushing but time is not on my side. The cancer has just been extremely aggressive and it’s not gone in a straight line.”

She added: “I don’t want to die and I’ve said from day one I’ll never give up. I love my life, my friends, my family – and I don’t want to go anywhere. I will try everything to still be around.

“I want to travel, I want to go on holiday, I want to see my brother and sister’s kids grow up. I just think some people don’t appreciate life to the fullest and maybe take every day for granted.

“I am also just frustrated because I’m like come on, something has to work for me. Even if my life was increased by 18 months, that would feel like winning the lottery.”

Initially she was told the second illness was curable but scans started to show the chemotherapy hadn’t worked.

Last month, Lisa, from Edinburgh, was warned the cancer had spread even more and at a rapid pace. Chemotherapy is also no longer an option as it may do more damage to her health and there are no further treatment options available through the NHS.

Her main hope now is that clinical trials will become available, but a GoFundMe page has been set up for her to access more advanced cancer treatments available in other parts of the world – including Germany. A consultation alone costs around £4,500 before any treatment even begins.

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Speaking about the support from her friends and family, Lisa said: “I am truly blessed. They’ve been there for me every day. It’s hard for them too – I honestly think one of the worst parts about cancer is having to tell your loved ones and giving them constant bad news.

“It’s just incredible how many people have come together to support me – I am overwhelmed with love. Time is ticking but I am doing everything I can to stay here and continue my life.”

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Donald Trump was on hand to present the Jules Rimet trophy to Spain after they beat Argentina in the World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday

Donald Trump once again found himself reluctant to leave the spotlight during a trophy presentation, with the United States President choosing to remain for the celebrations after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final.

The 80-year-old raised eyebrows by lingering after handing over the trophy, and was spotted enthusiastically joining in as Chelsea’s players revelled in their achievement.

Trump repeated the same trick in New Jersey after presenting Spain’s captain, Rodri, with the coveted Jules Rimet trophy.

He remained on the platform as Spain’s jubilant squad celebrated, before being gently nudged along by a laughing Gianni Infantino.

It was confirmed last month that Trump would hand over the trophy to the tournament winners, mirroring his role last summer when Chelsea lifted the Fifa Club World Cup, held across the United States.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino had been the one to confirm Trump would do the honours at Sunday’s final. “That’s always been the plan,” he said, reports the Mirror.

“That’s how it’s always been done in the past – the president of the country where the final is held presents the trophy together with the FIFA president.”

Earlier in the match, Trump was booed by large sections of the MetLife Stadium crowd.

Just after the US national anthem had concluded, the cheers that had accompanied it rapidly gave way to a chorus of boos, whistles, and jeers directed at the president, who had arrived via the Marine One helicopter.

As such the stadium was packed with security, with the match designated a “Level 1” special event – the highest security classification in the US – putting it on a par with presidential inaugurations and State of the Union addresses.

Ahead of the final in New Jersey, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the scale of the security operation, framing Trump’s attendance as the crowning moment of the entire tournament.

“His attendance will cap what has been the most watched, most secure and most successful World Cup in American history,” Leavitt said.

Ian Wright has hit out at the state of the World Cup final pitch, dubbing it ‘ridiculous, bobbly and poor’. 

The MetLife Stadium has been criticised throughout this summer’s tournament and once again appeared dry and patchy as Spain took on Argentina tonight.

A number of instances saw stars, including the great Lionel Messi, struggle to control the ball as it bobbled along the uneven surface. 

And speaking during ITV‘s half-time coverage of the clash, Wright didn’t hold any punches while assessing the venue for the biggest game in the footballing calendar.

He said: ‘For a World Cup final this pitch is ridiculous, it’s poor, it (the game) shouldn’t be on it.

‘I think Spain are playing and showing how good they are because even on a bobbly, dry pitch like this, they’re doing really good stuff. 

The turf in New Jersey has come in for criticism throughout the tournament

‘I think Argentina will stay in it but, for me, Spain are passing it all over the place. It’s only a matter of time before they take one of these chances.’ 

The 80,000-capacity MetLife sits on the outskirts of New York, which was hit by severe thunderstorms causing flooding in the hours ahead of kick-off in the sweltering east coast sunshine. 

Yet the pitch had been deemed subpar by players and managers long before it was hit by rainfall. 

It predominantly consists of natural grass, but the turf has been installed over an artificial surface underneath which can make it ‘dry out’ quickly when temperatures soar. 

Brazil star Vinicius Jr was one of the stars who took issue with the surface earlier in the tournament, telling reporters after his country’s 1-1 draw with Morocco: ‘Because of the weather and the heat, the grass dries out quickly and the game ends up being very slow. 

‘We can’t build up a rhythm. That makes things difficult because we want to move the ball from one side to the other and this disrupts our game.’ 

French coach Didier Deschamps later criticised the venue, saying: ‘The pitch in New York was really tough – it took a lot out of the players’ muscles.’

Wright’s comments came moments before the broadcaster’s coverage cut to the highly-anticipated half-time show, which was facilitated by a controversial interval of 30 minutes. 

A star-studded half-time show featured performances from Shakira (pictured) and Justin Bieber

It featured a star-studded lineup including performances by Shakira, Burna Boy, Justin Bieber and Madonna – and even cameo appearances from footballing royalty Ronaldinho and Ronaldo.  

Madonna kickstarted the performance with her hit ‘Music’, walking out onto the field with 2002 World Cup winners and Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.

Bieber was then introduced by Ted Lasso for a short, slow acoustic performance while a montage of the tournament was playing on the big screens around the 80,000-seater stadium.

Shakira later returned and injected some energy into the show before the performance came to an end and the preparation for the second half quickly restarted.

Yet ITV’s panel of pundits were left less than impressed – as was Wayne Rooney on the BBC. 

Keane said: ‘A bit of anti-climax but I think the people in the stadium probably enjoyed it more than us. It was nice to see Shakira.’

Wright added: ‘(Justin) Bieber should have done something a bit more upbeat to liven us up a bit.’

While Rooney reflected bluntly: ‘My favourite bit of the half time show was when it finished… I like all of them artists but I thought it was crap.’

A host of stars flooded to New Jersey for the climax of this summer’s tournament. 

Before kick-off, Top Gun and Mission Impossible superstar Tom Cruise took to the pitch to give a motivational pre-match speech. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump was pictured sat in his luxury suite next to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. 

Celebrity couple Timothee Chalament and Kylie Jenner were also snapped in the stands, as were Mick Jagger, Pharrell Williams, Victoria Beckham and Will Ferrell. 

Despite the substandard quality of the surface, Spain ultimately ran out victorious on the east coast thanks to a late goal from Ferran Torres. 

Nico Williams nodded a header down to the Barcelona man with the scores level in the 106th minute, and he fired an effort into the roof of the net sparking jubilant scenes both in New Jersey and back in Madrid.  

The South Americans applied pressure of their own in search of a goal late on and Tottenham Hotspur defender Marcos Senesi almost levelled from close range. 

But, in the end, it wasn’t to be for Lionel Messi on what could his final appearance on football’s biggest stage as Lamine Yamal and his Spanish team-mates held on for a historic victory.

Joe Hart said on the BBC: ‘They were never rattled or under pressure. They haven’t nibbled once. They played beautiful football the entire time.

‘Yamal, at 19 years old, his confidence, the ways that he’s doing this. Everyone will be trying to get on his back and hate on him, but he’s got a Euros and World Cup. He kept so cool, kept his head, and had those standout moments.’

The match was, however, at times overshadowed by the antics of the Argentinians. 

After taunting England’s stars in Atlanta on Wednesday, Argentina’s behaviour against Spain was dubbed ’embarrassing’ by pundits after the final whistle tonight.

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez saw red in the 90+3-minute for a late challenge on Pau Cabarsi before chaotic scenes ensured when Spain’s win was confirmed. 

As the Spanish bench descended onto the pitch to celebrate, Argentinian substitute Leandro Paredes took issue with Barcelona midfielder Gavi.

The pair became embroiled in a row, causing Scaloni to intervene, before ex-Juventus midfielder Paredes appeared to direct two punches at Gavi as he fell to the turf.

And, speaking on the BBC, ex-Man United striker Wayne Rooney was scathing in his criticism of Argentina’s behaviour, not only on Sunday, but throughout the entire tournament. 

He said: ‘It doesn’t surprise me. We’ve seen this from Argentina before. It’s just sad, very poor from them. If you lose a game of football, be graceful. It’s a reaction to them being outplayed. Enzo Fernandez has got what he deserves it’s well.’ 

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World Cup fans branded FIFA’s controversial first-ever World Cup halftime show starring Madonna and Justin Bieber a ‘disaster’ on Sunday – as the spectacle divided viewers around the world.

Argentina and Spain superstars Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal were forced to share the stage on Sunday at MetLife Stadium as the Super Bowl-inspired performance got underway – before Spain triumphed 1-0 over Argentina in extra time.

The futuristic segment began with Madonna, 67, singing her 2000 hit Music, accompanied by giddy Brazilian World Cup legends Ronaldo Nazario and Ronaldinho. 

The toned music legend was dressed head-to-toe in Saint Laurent, wowing in a pink satin teddy jacket and corset, mini shorts and lace-up boots, paired with stockings as she embraced the soccer icons, before they drove her out into the stadium.

The unlikely trio then posed up on the grass and smiled at the crowds. 

Bieber, 32, made a starkly different impact on the crowd as he stepped out with nothing but a guitar to sing a World Cup themed version of his song, Everything Hallelujah.

The singer was bizarrely subbed onto the pitch by Jason Sudeikis, playing his manager alter-ego Ted Lasso. 

Justin Bieber made a starkly different impact on the crowd as he stepped out with only a guitar to sing a World Cup-themed version of his song Everything Hallelujah – leaving fans baffled

Shakira showed off her toned frame as she performed her hit Dai Dai with Burna Boy 

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The star looked relaxed as he casually walked onto the pitch before belting out his hit track, adding the final line, ‘it’s the World Cup, Hallelujah’ – with fans left baffled by his song choice.

One fan gave the damning verdict, ‘What a disaster this halftime show was. Pre-recorded stuff, no collaborations or surprising moments. Where was Madonna at the end? She could have sung a few lines with Shakira… everything was so weird. So much hype for nothing.’

Yet making clear the division, a second viewer wrote, ‘I dislike a lot of things that FIFA does… but THAT halftime show was pretty spectacular.’

Another wrote, ‘Who was behind the concept for that haltfime show? Chat GPT?’ 

Other fans wrote, ‘Madonna’s performance was the strangest thing ever, especially followed by the Muppets. The rest of the show was decent. I thought JB’s performance was the best of them all.’

‘Light, bright, positive energy. We needed that. Really tired of dark and angry performances.

‘It seemed like bieber was off the flow but when Shakira came up after – it all made sense!!!’

‘It was great! International and diverse, a positive message, family friendly, and soccer legends hanging with Madonna! Ronaldinho and Ronaldo probably couldn’t believe it!’

Bieber’s downbeat song choice was undoubtedly one of the major talking points of the performance, with one fan writing, ‘Justin Bieber was unfortunately the worst part of the World Cup halftime show.’

Another penned, ‘Justin Bieber Hallelujah but this was not the right song choice for the half time show.’

A third typed, ‘Buzz killer. Totally sucked . Why choose that song that nobody knows . Beyond me ….’ while another wrote, ‘terrible song choice.’

Others praised Bieber’s performance, writing, ‘Justin Bieber looked and sounded great at the World Cup halftime show today!

‘Glad he’s cleaned up his act!

‘Best performance. He knows how to switch people’s moods in a second. That’s extremely difficult to do, most performers couldn’t.’

Shakira returned to the World Cup stage as she flaunted her toned abs in a pink and yellow sequined bodysuit to perform her hit Dai Dai, with Burna Boy, while K-pop sensations BTS regaled the crowd with Dynamite.

Spain eventually triumphed over Argentina 1-0 after a thrilling 30 minutes of extra time – seen with Trump at the trophy ceremony

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The futuristic segment began with Madonna, 67, singing Music, accompanied by giddy World Cup legends Ronaldo Nazario and Ronaldinho 

The toned music legend showed off her legs in stockings as she embraced the soccer icons, before they drove her out into the stadium

The trio posed up on the pitch as Madonna pulled off another flawless performance

The singer was bizarrely subbed onto the pitch by Jason Sudeikis playing manager Ted Lasso

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Fans had vastly differing opinions on the show – one viewer branded the show ‘spectacular’

Others blasted the show over pitchy vocals and lipsync allegations

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Fans slammed Bieber for his song choice on sport’s biggest stage 

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One fan branded Bieber the ‘worst part’ of the show

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Others praised Bieber’s performance as ‘so good’ and worthy of the Super Bowl

K-pop sensations BTS regaled the crowd with Dynamite

BTS captivated the crowds as they continued their return to the stage after military training 

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The show delivered a spectacular mix of music, nostalgia and global star power, including a cameo from The Muppets

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The stadium was lit up with a colorful globe and the world LOVE

Fans had wildly differing opinions on the spectacular 

Former England star Wayne Rooney savaged the controversial World Cup final halftime show, quipping the best part of it was ‘when it finished’

Liam Gallagher savaged ‘This is like a bad trip’, before adding: ‘It’s a good job I’ve got my spiritual socks on or that halftime entertainment could have tipped me over the edge’

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 The show was also blasted by former World Cup England star Wayne Rooney, 41, who joked his favorite part of the show was ‘when it finished’.

‘To be honest mine was when it finished I like a lot of those artists but to be honest I thought it was c**p’, he fumed. 

‘I did honestly. It just didn’t get me going, I wanted the football to be back on. It was a bit flat. I like Burna Boy I like Shakira I like Bieber but that was too flat.’ 

Fans were left in hysterics by Rooney’s comment, with one user on X laughing: ‘Wayne Rooney on the halftime show actually made me LOL and then ‘I like a lot of the artists, but I thought it was c**p’.

While Liam Gallagher savaged ‘This is like a bad trip’, before adding: ‘It’s a good job I’ve got my spiritual socks on or that halftime entertainment could have tipped me over the edge’.

As well as a halftime show, the World Cup final also included a closing ceremony that featured performances and appearances from Post Malone, Tom Cruise, Nicole Scherzinger, influencer IShowSpeed, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams and Italian singer Laura Pausini.

Stars including Cruise, Timothee Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, Matt Damon and Adrien Brody joined the crowds for the final. 

Spanish actor Javier Bardem, skiing legend Lindsey Vonn and actress Julia Garner were also in attendance for the FIFA Gold Carpet event ahead of the final. 

Tom Cruise flashed a giddy grin as he sauntered through the stadium ahead of his special appearance at the closing ceremony

Matt Damon and Argentinian wife Luciana Barroso looked giddy as they arrived 

Thousands of fans and media members faced massive lines to enter the stadium for the World Cup final on Sunday amid several reports of security struggling to manage the situation

Will Ferrell was in attendance for the huge match 

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Javier Bardem supported his home country as he walked the FIFA Gold Carpet before the final

Julia Garner was in attendance to support close pal Madonna ahead of her halftime show

Lindsey Vonn looked stylish as she posed up ahead of the game

Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario attended with wife Celina Locks

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England icon John Terry and Argentina legend Diego Simeone were in attendance

Spain triumphed over Messi’s Argentina 1-0 – after a fraught second half, which saw the teams play into 30 mins of extra time.

Ferran Torres netted the winning goal in the 106th minute – with a devastated Messi watching on as his World Cup career ended in heartbreak.

World Cup final day got off to a chaotic start at MetLife Stadium with fans forced to wait for hours outside of the venue amid reports of technological glitches scanning tickets and security staff unsure of how to manage the crowds.

The attendance of President Donald Trump meant that airport-style security measures were also being enforced for everyone making their way inside of the venue.

The game was set to be the most expensive to attend in the history of sport – on Sunday morning, the cheapest ticket available on most resale websites was starting at around $7,000.

FIFA encouraged fans to arrive early in order to participate in the World Cup closing ceremony, scheduled to begin around 90 minutes before the game itself kicks off. 

But it is standard procedure for fans to arrive early for additional security checks whenever Trump attends a sporting event – and he has made it to plenty in his second term as President, ranging from the Ryder Cup to the Super Bowl.

Post Malone performed ahead of the final 

Cruise kept his look casual in a black tee and jeans as he posed for selfies with queuing fans, while flanked by bodyguards

The star looked excited ahead of the final 

Jon Hamm arrived at MetLife ahead of the ceremony

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Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini performed Desire 

Extra security checks were in place ahead of the attendance of President Trump for the game

Man of the hour and Argentina captain Lionel Messi winked at fans as he arrived for the final – before his team heartbreakingly lost to Spain 1-0

Spain’s Ferran Torres netted the winning goal in the 106th minute (top with Eric Garcia) 

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A devastated Messi was seen looking dejected after losing 

Even on the live television coverage, the stadium was bare with a little over an hour until that closing ceremony began. 

Soccer greats such as Brazil World Cup winner Ronaldo, former England captain John Terry and former Argentina player Diego Simeone all appeared carefree as they entered the stadium in good time before the game. 

Argentina were narrow underdogs against Spain, the European champions, despite being the holders after winning the 2022 tournament in Qatar. 

Trump is expected to hand the World Cup trophy over to the winning team after the game. 

Moulton, near Richmond and Scotch Corner, sits in a valley between Scorton and Middleton Tyas.

The small village is only around three miles from Scotch Corner and the A1(M) and A66 junction, making it well placed for journeys towards Richmond, Darlington, the Yorkshire Dales and the wider North East.

But despite its simple spelling, Moulton is one of those place names that can still catch visitors out.

It is pronounced: “MOHL-tuhn”.

Moulton (Image: Murray McLaren/CAMERA CLUB)

The first syllable rhymes with “coal” or “pole”, while the second syllable is a quick, unstressed “tuhn”.

That means it is not usually said as “Mool-ton” or “Moul-ton” with a hard “l” sound.

The “l” is silent, making the name softer and shorter when spoken aloud.

Although the A1(M), A66 and Scotch Corner are only a short drive away, Moulton feels tucked away from the busiest routes, according to people online.

One of its best-known landmarks is Moulton Hall, a Grade I listed 17th-century manor house owned and maintained by the National Trust.

The hall was built in the 1650s for the Smithson family and is known for its distinctive architecture, including three unusual curved gables and an impressive oak staircase.

Admission to Moulton Hall can be arranged by prior appointment with the tenant.

The village’s history stretches back much further than the hall.

Moulton is mentioned in the Domesday Book as the residence of a Saxon named Ulph.

After the Norman Conquest, the manor was transferred to the Earls of Richmond before passing through several families over the centuries, including the Marshall, Wright, Smithson and Shuttleworth families.

Despite its small size, Moulton has a notable cultural connection.

The artist George Cuitt the Elder was born in the village, adding another layer to its history.

The Black Bull Inn is the village’s pub and is often highlighted as one of Moulton’s main amenities.

It is a traditional country pub and a useful stopping point for those exploring the area around Richmond, Scorton, Middleton Tyas and Scotch Corner.

For visitors wondering how to ask for directions, the answer is simple: say “MOHL-tuhn”.

The Met Office has given its forecast for the week ahead

After two weeks of warm and sunny weather, temperatures are about to drop slightly in Northern Ireland this week as the recent heatwave begins to cool off.

The Met Office has given its forecast for the week beginning Monday, July 20, saying that temperatures will be a little bit lower this week with cloudier skies predicted following a fortnight of sunshine.

It has said that Monday will start out cloudy in the morning before it begins to brighten up in the afternoon with sunny spells and temperatures reaching 20 degrees in the evening.

A similar forecast was been given for the following day on Tuesday, July 21, as it is set to be a cloudy morning before brigthening up again in the evening.

This weather pattern is set to continue throughout the week with a mix of cloudy skies and sunny spells.THe Met oFfice has also said there will be the chance of light rain in places.

Its outlook for Monday said: “A cloudy start with some patchy light rain possible. Staying largely cloudy through the day but perhaps brightening up somewhat as cloud starts to break at times. Maximum temperature 21 °C.”

Its outlook for Tuesday to Thursday said: “Cloudy starts with some patchy light rain in the north. Warm sunny intervals developing in the south through the afternoons, staying cloudier and cooler in the north.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter.

The voice of Frank Sinatra rang around the MetLife Stadium before the World Cup final. As he sang about facing the ‘final curtain’, the big screen showed footage of Lionel Messi holding aloft the World Cup in Qatar four years ago and being borne shoulder-high by his teammates in triumph. ‘I did it my way,’ Sinatra sang, as the Manhattan skyscrapers shimmered in the distance.

In times when football has lost itself, when it has moved away from those who love it, when it has become enslaved to money and ruled by high ticket prices, when it is led by sycophants and grifters, when it has been assailed by doubts about its integrity and its direction, Messi has always been there to redeem it, doing it his way.

This time, in the midst of this drab, angry, bitter, attritional final, doing it his way was not enough. This time, he could not redeem even his own team, who behaved with a despicable lack of grace and barely contained thuggery after the final whistle and who were utterly outclassed by Spain. Spain only won 1-0. It should have been many more.

At a World Cup afflicted by a myriad of controversies, a World Cup with a final saddled with a dirge of a half-time show and hydration breaks that are advertising breaks and President Trump calling Gianni Infantino to lobby, successfully, for Folarin Balogun’s suspension to be lifted, and $1m pitchside seats, seeing Messi play was always enough to make the heart sing.

Even at 39, the greatest player the world has ever seen, has still been the sport’s human shield. Even as Trump and Infantino have danced around the tournament like puppeteers, Messi has worked his magic, scored more goals than anyone apart from Kylian Mbappe and floated above the storms.

Torres smashed in the winner with his left foot after Nico Williams headed the ball back across goal

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It was elation for the Spanish players as they celebrated wildly in the corner of the stadium

But it was devastation for Argentina’s crestfallen stars, who had fought for their lives

Messi has graced his sport for more than 20 years and Argentina’s obstinate, defiant, sometimes desperate run to this World Cup final against Spain was predicated around this being ‘Leo’s last one’. They wanted to do it for him. They wanted to give him the send-off he deserved before he retreated to what remains of his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

And so Messi went to the well one last time in the blazing sunshine in New Jersey. Fifteen of his 21 tournament goals have come since his 35th birthday and even though Mbappe had moved ahead of him in the race for the Golden Boot on Saturday evening and ahead of him in the all-time World Cup list, many hoped Messi would put that right on Sunday, too.

The truth is that when Messi went to the well this time, the well was empty. This was a game too far, even for him. Tom Cruise had given a speech on the pitch before kick-off and this match turned into Messi’s mission impossible.

He was swallowed up in the mediocrity of a final that was at odds with so much of the drama that this World Cup has provided. It was dull and attritional. It was dominated by Spain, who finally turned their advantage into a winning goal in the second period of extra time.

And if many wanted Messi to win, by then not many wanted Argentina to win. They played with a mixture of unabashed thuggery and a desperate lack of ambition. They did not have a single shot in normal time, let alone a shot on target. If there was a shred of satisfaction about their defrocking, it was that it came with an overdue red card for Enzo Fernandez, their self-styled enforcer, at the end of normal time.

So Messi’s final fling fell flat. He did not end the competition with the Golden Boot, he did not win the second World Cup he craved, and he left the international stage after being able to exert precious little influence on his final match. Sport is no respecter of reputation.

Torres’ goal sparked jubilation for the thousands of Spanish fans inside the stadium

Argentina keeper Emiliano Martinez had been in inspired form before that to keep Spain at bay

There was no fairytale World Cup ending for Lionel Messi who struggled to assert his authority

Enzo Fernandez was sent off at the end of normal time for a reckless second bookable offence

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A melee ensued and Messi tried to get Marc Cucurella sent off for covering his mouth

Much of the talk before the game had been about a passing of the torch from Messi to Spain’s superstar teenager Lamine Yamal but even if Yamal had more influence than Messi, he has been struggling with the after-effects of a hamstring injury and could not stamp his brilliance on the game.

It was Ferran Torres who made the difference when he came on, Ferran Torres who scored the winner and Ferran Torres who thought he had scored a second before it was ruled out for offside. This was Spain’s second World Cup triumph after 2010. They only conceded one goal in the entire competition. They were the better team by a large margin here.

Yamal had the first chance of the game within the opening five minutes. A neat touch from Dani Olmo played Yamal in behind the Argentina defence but he did not hit his shot with enough power or accuracy to beat Emiliano Martinez.

Argentina had not started the game with the same furious intent they showed against England in the semi-final. Not driven by the same visceral resentment, they showed Spain far more respect and allowed them to dictate the tempo of the game.

Spain had only conceded one goal in the tournament before this game but they had a scare early on when Messi raced on to a through ball. He was clean through but Unai Simon sprinted 35 yards out of his goal to clear it and got there just ahead of Argentina’s skipper. Some felt Messi had missed an opportunity. ‘He had to put his body in and he didn’t,’ Wayne Rooney said.

Alexis Mac Allister scythed down Olmo after 15 minutes but, inexplicably, referee Slavko Vincic, chose not to show him even a yellow card. The Spain fans were infuriated. They are keenly aware of the lenient treatment Argentina have benefited from in this World Cup. ‘Infantino, Infantino,’ they jeered.

Argentina did their best to rile up Spain and there were several flashpoints between the players

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Things escalated at full-time when Leandro Paredes clashed with several Spain players

The stands were filled with celebrities, including David Beckham and Tom Cruise (centre)

President Donald Trump also watched on alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino

The pair later presented the players with their medals and handed over the trophy to Spain

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Justin Bieber headlined the strange half-time show, which lasted for almost half an hour 

The game settled into a kind of stalemate, the antithesis of the Soccer Aid vibe that permeated England’s third-place play-off game with France the previous day. There was, at least, a ripple of surprise when the referee booked Lisandro Martinez. It was just about the only decision that had gone Spain’s way all afternoon.

The half-time show came and went in a splurge of underwhelming banality. It was much like the opening 45 minutes, in which Argentina had not managed a single shot on target. Leandro Paredes came on at the interval and was booked within a few minutes for a shove in the back of Max Baena.

Yamal made one burst to the byline midway through the second half and cut the ball back for substitute Ferran Torres. Torres leapt well on the edge of the six-yard box but could only direct his header straight at a grateful Emiliano Martinez.

As the game approached extra time, Argentina imploded. More particularly, Enzo Fernandez imploded. Already on a yellow card, he launched himself into a tackle on Pau Cubarsi and caught the defender’s trailing foot. Cubarsi cart-wheeled into the air and Fernandez was shown a second yellow. It felt like a little karma for the rough-house tactics he had inflicted on England in Atlanta and for which he had escaped without punishment.

Increasingly, only Emiliano Martinez kept Argentina in the game. He saved well from a Yamal free kick and then, early in extra time, from a glancing header by Nico Williams. Spain thought they had scored when Martinez spilled the ball under a challenge but VAR ruled that he had been fouled. It felt like another generous decision towards Argentina.

Spain missed the best chance of the match when Arsenal’s Mikel Merino glanced a header wide from close range near the end of the first half of extra time but they finally broke the deadlock after 106 minutes when Williams nodded the ball back to Torres and Torres smashed the ball past Emiliano Martinez.

Their victory was to be celebrated. Messi’s retreat into the twilight was much to be mourned.

Donaldson began his political career with the UUP, joining in his late teens.

The Ulster Unionists are to establish an “independent confidential process” into potential complaints during Jeffrey Donaldson’s time in the party.

Donaldson, 63, was convicted at Newry Crown Court last month of 18 sex offences, including one count of rape, relating to the abuse of two women when they were children. The offences were committed between 1985 and 2008.

The two victims gave evidence against him during the trial, during which Donaldson had denied the offences.

His wife Eleanor Donaldson, 60, was found to have aided and abetted his crimes following a trial of the facts, which was granted on mental health grounds.

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On Monday, Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Jon Burrows confirmed it would appoint an independent external organisation to provide a confidential route for anyone who had information or concerns about Jeffrey Donaldson during his time in the party.

Donaldson began his political career with the UUP, joining in his late teens. In the early 1980s, he worked as personal assistant for former Conservative cabinet minister and then UUP MP Enoch Powell.

In 1985, aged 22, he was elected to a short-lived incarnation of the Northern Ireland Assembly and later became MP for Lagan Valley in 1997.

Following a fractured relationship with then UUP leader David Trimble over aspects of the Good Friday Agreement, he quit the UUP in 2003 and defected to the Democratic Unionist Party, where he would eventually become leader.

On Monday, the UUP said a “rapid review” after Donaldson’s conviction did not find any formal nor informal complaint nor concern, and the party said it had not been contacted by the PSNI “at any point” about the matters concerned.

However, the party said this was a “first step” and “not the end of the matter”.

It said the new independent review will also examine the party’s safeguarding arrangements.

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Mr Burrows has also written to Chief Constable Jon Boutcher to offer “support for a proactive public appeal” about Donaldson.

The UUP said it believes that only a fully independent inquiry can establish “what, if anything, was known about Donaldson across his entire public career” by political parties, the police services, security agencies and Government.

It said there are “important lessons” to be examined about vetting, safeguarding and public appointments as it called in incoming prime minister Andy Burnham to establish such an inquiry.

The DUP has also launched its own independent examination into Donaldson’s time within the party, while the Northern Ireland Assembly has begun a review into any allegations of alleged abuse or inappropriate behaviour associated with his time in Stormont.

Donaldson is currently being held at Maghaberry Prison in his former parliamentary constituency of Lagan Valley awaiting sentencing.

Last week, his lawyer said he is to launch an appeal.

Earlier this month, he was removed from the Privy Council after he asked for his name to be taken off the list of members of the body of senior advisers to the King.

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Residents are experiencing ‘no water or low pressure’

More than 100 flats have been left without water after a fire caused a water tank to “explode”. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue were called to a fire involving a bin store in Vicarage Farm Road, Peterborough just before 10am on Saturday (July 18).

A fire spokesperson said: “At 9.55am on Saturday, a crew from the Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade was called to a fire on Vicarage Farm Road in Peterborough.

“Firefighters arrived to find a fire involving a bin store. Wearing breathing apparatus they extinguished the fire using hose reels and returned to their station by 11.30am. Crews made regular inspections throughout the day to ensure the area was safe.”

Councillor Shabina Qayyum, leader of Peterborough City Council, visited the scene and confirmed that 112 flats were left without water. This is due to a water tank catching fire and exploding as a result of the bin fire, she said.

In a video on her Instagram, Cllr Qayyum said: “We were alerted to a fire that engulfed a refuse area, which resulted in a water tank setting fire and exploding, causing a cut off to the water supply of 112 flats.

“Both Cllr Numan Ali Iqbal and myself have been on site with officers and coordinated responses from the council who have instigated the emergency planning team.”

Cllr Qayyum went on to thank Anglian Water for its response.

On the Anglian Water website, a spokesperson said it was “sorry” for customers experiencing “no water or low pressure” at Varity House in Vicarage Farm Road. The spokesperson added: “This has been caused by a fire which has damaged a private water tank and pumps within the building.

“As this is a private issue and not the responsibility of Anglian Water, residents are advised to get in touch with their building maintenance or landlord for further support and advice.”