Thousands of soccer fans packed into viewing sites around Australia to watch the world's biggest sporting event unfold in the crisp winter pre-dawn air.
The World Cup final in New York, broadcast early Monday morning (AEST), brought scenes of jubilation and heartbreak in Darling Harbour in the heart of Sydney, where many South Americans and Spaniards now call home.
Spanish fans were forced to wait until extra time for their dominant side to find a winning goal against Argentina, a calmly taken effort from forward Ferran Torres in the 106th minute.
The mood was electric for the hundreds of Spanish fans who clutched flags and danced on tables in packed inner-city pubs, including Bondi's Beach Road Hotel, as they claimed a 1-0 win.
Argentina, which broke the hearts of Australia's large English population in the semi-final, could not repeat the heroics of their 2022 triumph, where they defeated France on penalties in the final.
Crowds of blue and white held their heads in their hands as others looked on in anguished disbelief.
It was just football powerhouse Spain's second Men's World Cup title, adding to their 2010 win where they also struck in extra time.
Australia is home to just under 18,000 Argentinians and just over 17,000 Spaniards, with the live viewing turnout reflecting eager fans who turned up in equal measure.
Spain, whose men are also European champions, are now football's undisputed best, having claimed the Australia-hosted Women's World Cup in 2023.
It might have been Argentina's last World Cup appearance with legendary but aging talent Lionel Messi in their line-up.
Most Argentine jerseys spotted at live sites were personalised with the superstar's name and number, some punters had his initials drawn in face paint, and many held flags emblazoned with ''Messi''.
Messi, 39, was a part of the Argentina side that lost the 2014 final to Germany, before he starred in their 2022 triumph.
