The historical records of World Cup tournaments registered a stunning numerical paradox and a strange complex for the Argentine national team, following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup final with Spain winning the world title.

According to the official data and statistics of World Cup finals, history has only seen two players who managed to score as substitutes in the final match of the World Cup, and the shocking coincidence is that both times were against the Argentine national team and specifically in extra time.

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Details of the deadly 'substitutes' double in the nets of the Tango:

Mario Götze (2014 World Cup): The German star entered at the invitation of his coach Joachim Löw in the 88th minute of the Brazil final. In the second extra period (113th minute), Götze shocked Lionel Messi's teammates with a deadly goal that gave 'Die Maschinen' the fourth world title.

Ferran Torres (2026 World Cup): After 12 years, the exact same carbon-copy scenario repeated itself in the New Jersey final. Spanish striker Ferran Torres came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute, and at the start of the second extra period (106th minute), he scored the winning goal for 'La Roja' against goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.

This paradox reinforces an extended complex for the Argentine national team against the opponents' trump cards in decisive moments, as the 'Tango' defense failed in both occasions to contain the substitutes' energy, costing them the World Cup gold in the final breaths of the match.