Defending champion Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, with the unbeaten European side chasing a second title after its 2010 triumph.
For context, Spain enters the match on a 37-game unbeaten streak dating back to early 2024, while Argentina seeks to become the first back-to-back men’s World Cup winner since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
Best player vs. best team in World Cup final
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente called the showdown “an amazing final” between “two superteams” with similar talent and attitude. The matchup pits Messi, widely regarded as the sport’s greatest player, against a Spanish side that has conceded just one goal in seven tournament matches.
Messi, who spent most of his club career in Spain, has never wavered from representing Argentina despite early interest from La Roja. Sunday marks his first game against Spain since a 2010 friendly, where Argentina won 4-1.
Historical stakes and personal connections
For Messi, this could be the final chapter of his international career. “The best footballer that the world has seen,” as Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni described him, nearly retired in 2016 after a Copa América loss but returned to win the 2022 World Cup and back-to-back Copa América titles.
A poignant subplot: Messi and Spain’s Lamine Yamal, photographed together as a baby nearly 20 years ago, will share the pitch. “We grew up playing soccer with passion,” Messi said of their shared roots.
Defensive dominance and tournament backdrop
Spain’s defensive record is historic—only three past champions (Spain 2010, Italy 2006, France 1998) conceded fewer than two goals en route to the title. Argentina, meanwhile, has trailed for over 100 minutes in this tournament.
Off-field controversies, including geopolitical tensions and FIFA’s handling of disciplinary issues, have marked the tournament. But the focus now shifts to MetLife Stadium, where one team will etch its name in history.
“I wish it will be a final that goes down in history,” said Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The match kicks off Sunday, with the world watching.
