Argentina and Spain set to clash in World Cup final

Lionel Messi and Argentina will face an unbeaten Spain side in the World Cup final on Sunday, the tournament's 104th match. Spain entered the final with a 37-match unbeaten run dating back to early 2024, while Argentina aim to become the first back-to-back men’s World Cup champions since Brazil in the early 1960s.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said, "On Sunday, we will watch a great show. Two great national teams — two superteams, in my opinion — very similar in some aspects in terms of attitude, footballers’ talent. I think that it’s going to be an amazing final." Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni called Messi "the best footballer that the world has seen."

The matchup pits the sport’s most celebrated player against a team that has conceded only one goal in its first seven matches of the tournament. Spain captain Rodri noted that Argentina is "far more than Messi" and praised the collective strength of both squads.

Both teams have historic narratives attached to the game: Messi, who announced this will be his final appearance for Argentina, seeks a perfect ending to his international career, while Spain looks to add a second World Cup title to its 2010 triumph. The final will be played at MetLife Stadium, the same venue where Messi briefly announced his 2016 national-team retirement.

The tournament has also faced political controversy, including travel issues for Iran and diplomatic tensions involving Argentina’s banner after its semifinal win over England. Nonetheless, the final promises a decisive conclusion to the competition.