The 39-year-old maestro Lionel Messi, almost certainly playing in his final World Cup game, was reduced to irrelevance as Spain took control early on against an Argentina team who committed a catalogue of cynical fouls throughout.

Spain has reached its first World Cup final since winning the competition in 2010.

The spotlight will be firmly on Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who is expected to play the final World Cup match of his career. The 39-year-old will become only the second player…