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Lionel Messi will lead defending champions Argentina against Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, with the South Americans chasing a place in history and the Europeans bidding to reclaim football's biggest prize at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Argentina are aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the men's World Cup, while Spain are seeking their second title after lifting the trophy for the first time in South Africa in 2010.
The final is also expected to mark Messi's last appearance at a FIFA World Cup. The 39-year-old, who captained Argentina to glory in Qatar four years ago, has once again inspired his country to the title match.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni urged supporters to savour the opportunity to watch Messi on the sport's biggest stage.
“He has made history. He is a legend,” Scaloni said of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Argentina's route to the final has been defined by resilience. They staged a dramatic late comeback from two goals down to eliminate Egypt in the round of 16 before overturning a deficit again to beat England 2-1 in the semifinals and book a second successive World Cup final.
Spain, in contrast, have impressed with control and consistency throughout the tournament. They have conceded just one goal in seven matches and reached the final after a commanding 2-0 victory over France in the last four.
Captain Rodri is expecting Argentina to test Spain physically but backed his side to adapt to the demands of the contest.
“It will be a more physical one, and we must be prepared. But I believe that if we are known for something in this national team, it is that we know how to play different games based on the moment,” Rodri said.
Argentina are expected to line up with Emiliano Martínez in goal behind a defence featuring Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Nicolás Tagliafico. Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Leandro Paredes and Alexis Mac Allister are likely to form the midfield, with Messi partnering Julián Álvarez in attack.
Spain are expected to retain the side that defeated France, with Unai Simón in goal, Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella in defence, Rodri anchoring the midfield alongside Fabián Ruiz and Dani Olmo, while Lamine Yamal, Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal lead the attack.
With history on the line for both nations and Messi chasing a fairytale farewell, Sunday's final promises to bring the curtain down on the first 48-team FIFA World Cup with one of the most anticipated title clashes in recent memory.
Argentina are aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the men's World Cup, while Spain are seeking their second title after lifting the trophy for the first time in South Africa in 2010.
The final is also expected to mark Messi's last appearance at a FIFA World Cup. The 39-year-old, who captained Argentina to glory in Qatar four years ago, has once again inspired his country to the title match.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni urged supporters to savour the opportunity to watch Messi on the sport's biggest stage.
“He has made history. He is a legend,” Scaloni said of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Argentina's route to the final has been defined by resilience. They staged a dramatic late comeback from two goals down to eliminate Egypt in the round of 16 before overturning a deficit again to beat England 2-1 in the semifinals and book a second successive World Cup final.
Spain, in contrast, have impressed with control and consistency throughout the tournament. They have conceded just one goal in seven matches and reached the final after a commanding 2-0 victory over France in the last four.
Captain Rodri is expecting Argentina to test Spain physically but backed his side to adapt to the demands of the contest.
“It will be a more physical one, and we must be prepared. But I believe that if we are known for something in this national team, it is that we know how to play different games based on the moment,” Rodri said.
Argentina are expected to line up with Emiliano Martínez in goal behind a defence featuring Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Nicolás Tagliafico. Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Leandro Paredes and Alexis Mac Allister are likely to form the midfield, with Messi partnering Julián Álvarez in attack.
Spain are expected to retain the side that defeated France, with Unai Simón in goal, Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella in defence, Rodri anchoring the midfield alongside Fabián Ruiz and Dani Olmo, while Lamine Yamal, Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal lead the attack.
With history on the line for both nations and Messi chasing a fairytale farewell, Sunday's final promises to bring the curtain down on the first 48-team FIFA World Cup with one of the most anticipated title clashes in recent memory.
