Argentina’s players warm-up ahead of the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Photo by Jewel SAMAD / AFP)
Lionel Messi’s Argentina made three changes to their starting line-up for Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain as the holders attempt to become the first team since 1962 to retain the trophy.
Gonzalo Montiel, who scored the winning penalty in the shootout in the 2022 final win against France, comes in at right-back in place of Nahuel Molina for Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina.
The other changes see Rodrigo De Paul return in midfield, where Nico Gonzalez also starts, with Leandro Paredes and Giuliano Simeone making way.
Argentina reached the final by defeating England 2-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta following a dramatic late comeback.
