The stage is set for a thrilling World Cup final featuring two contrasting football styles. Lionel Messi and the defending champions, Argentina, will face Spain’s robust defense on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Spain secured their spot by defeating France, while Argentina made a comeback to win against England 2-1. Argentina is aiming for a historic fourth title and seeks to be the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Spain, on the other hand, aims for its second title after their 2010 victory.
Argentina tops the tournament with 19 goals, whereas Spain excels in defense by allowing only one goal throughout the matches. When these two face off on Sunday, a clash of offense against defense will unfold, concluding the largest World Cup ever, held across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Originally, Argentina and Spain were set to meet in a game known as the Finalissima in March in Doha, Qatar. This match was to feature Messi against Lamine Yamal. However, due to regional unrest and security concerns in the Middle East, where Iran heightened its attacks in response to U.S. and Israeli actions, the game was canceled.
Instead of meeting in Doha, the clash will now take place near New York. This match not only pitches current against future soccer talents but also features the top two teams in the FIFA world rankings — Argentina first and Spain second.
An old photograph from 2007 shows a young Messi with a baby who turned out to be Lamine Yamal. Both would become left-footed stars for Barcelona, creating an unexpected full-circle moment as they meet in this World Cup final.
Spain’s Path to the Final:
Record: Six wins, one draw, zero losses.
Goals for: 13.
Goals against: 1.Group stage: Drew 0-0 with Cape Verde, defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0, and won 1-0 against Uruguay.
Knockout stage: Overcame Austria 3-0, Portugal 1-0, Belgium 2-1, and France 2-0.
Argentina’s Road to the Final:
Record: Seven wins, zero draws, zero losses.
Goals for: 19.
Goals against: 7.Group stage: Beat Algeria 3-0, Austria 2-0, and Jordan 3-1.
Knockout stage: Won against Cape Verde 3-2, Egypt 3-2, Switzerland 3-1, and England 2-1.
Both teams enter the final with significant unbeaten streaks. Spain boasts a 37-match unbeaten run across all games with 28 wins and nine draws, last losing to Colombia in March 2024. Argentina is undefeated in their last 13 World Cup games, claiming 11 victories and two draws, since a loss to Saudi Arabia in the 2022 group stage.
Spain is the bookmakers’ early favorite, with odds at +120, while Argentina’s odds stand at +275. A draw is currently at +200, but these odds may shift before the match.