East Rutherford (United States) (AFP) – Lionel Messi's battle-hardened Argentina take on silky Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday as the first 48-team tournament in history reaches a climax in New Jersey.
Issued on: 19/07/2026 - 05:56
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The South Americans are striving to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups, while Spain are eyeing a second title after their maiden victory in 2010.Sunday's showpiece is likely to be the final World Cup appearance for Messi, widely considered the greatest player of all time.Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni urged fans to make the most of seeing the diminutive genius lead out his team at the MetLife Stadium at the age of 39."He has made history. He is a legend," Scaloni said of the former Barcelona player, who helped Argentina win the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
Spain have conceded just one goal at the World Cup so far © Aric Becker / AFP/File
