SvnMorningNews

By Ethan Carter — 18 July 2026 — 3 min read

Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, is set to face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. Argentina is aiming to become the first team to successfully defend a World Cup title since 1962. Their path to the final has involved emotional victories, including two instances where they came from behind and required extra time during the knockout stage.

In a semifinal match, Argentina secured a 2-1 victory over England. During this game, Messi provided assists for two late goals, which were scored by Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez. Manager Lionel Scaloni noted that the emotional outbursts accompanying each win are crucial for processing such a demanding run, which could potentially be Messi’s last World Cup appearance. Scaloni highlighted the significant support the team has received, stating, “We’ve recovered something which is extremely valuable, which is the fact that people are watching our games on TV, wearing the Argentinian jersey and hugging each other.” He added that this feeling of unity is deeply felt by the team, making them feel supported and backed.

Argentina’s pursuit of history

Messi enters the final tied with France’s Kylian Mbappe for the tournament lead with eight goals. He also has four assists, placing him one assist behind Mbappe’s teammate Michael Olise. Argentina is attempting to become the third nation to win back-to-back World Cup titles, following Italy in 1934 and 1938, and Pele’s Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

Goalkeeper Emi Martinez, at 33 years old, expressed his enjoyment of the current tournament, stating, “I am enjoying this World Cup much more than the one in Qatar.” He also mentioned his gratitude to his teammates and his desire to enjoy the moment, noting that reaching a fifth final with a national team is a significant achievement. Unlike their 2022 campaign, where they carried the pressure of ending a 36-year World Cup drought, the team is now trying to embrace the experience.

Spain’s dominant run to the final

Spain, the defending European champions and three-time UEFA Nations League finalists, present a formidable challenge. Neither the 1938 Italy nor the 1962 Brazil national teams faced a final opponent as highly regarded as this Spanish side. Spain reached the final after a dominant 2-0 semifinal victory over France, who were considered favorites in that match.

Their journey to the final has been largely unchallenged, with their only minor setback being a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in their opening match. Spain’s success has been achieved with only one goal from 18-year-old Lamine Yamal. Yamal had been recovering from a left hamstring strain sustained in mid-April while playing for FC Barcelona, and was still working towards 90-minute fitness at the start of the tournament. His only goal came in a 4-0 group-stage win against Saudi Arabia.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente cautioned against comparing Yamal to Messi. De la Fuente described Messi as “a one-of-a-time-in-history player, and he’s an example, a role model for youth and younger players, his attitude, his behavior.” He emphasized that Yamal needs to develop as himself, and the best support for him is to help him realize his potential. Spain is seeking their second World Cup crown, having previously won in 2010 in South Africa.

The current Spanish squad, featuring midfielders Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo, and Rodri, is considered highly talented. Rodri conveyed the team’s ambition, stating, “We are very much satisfied with the team’s process, but we are far more ambitious than this.” He added that the team faces a significant and beautiful challenge on Sunday to make their generation proud.

Expert predictions for the final

Soccer experts have offered various predictions for the outcome of the final match between Spain and Argentina. These predictions include scenarios such as Spain winning 1-0, Argentina winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw, and Argentina winning 3-2. Other predictions suggest Spain winning with scores of 2-0, 2-1 in extra time, or 2-1. The final is scheduled to be played at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Source: eu.detroitnews.com