Footballing giants Argentina and Spain will clash in a blockbuster World Cup final tonight, as Lionel Messi graces this stage for perhaps the final time.
All-time great Messi, 39, will look to lead Argentina to a second straight World Cup trophy and the nation’s fourth overall, after triumphs in 1978, 1986 and 2022.
But they face formidable foes in the reigning European champions: Spain, who are seeking their second-ever world championship, having previously lifted the trophy in 2010. And La Roja have 19-year-old star Lamine Yamal in their ranks, a winger who can change any game in an instant.
To get to tonight’s showpiece game in New York, Spain downed France with a clinical 2-0 win in the semi-finals, while Argentina broke English hearts by coming from behind for a late 2-1 victory.
Follow live updates from the World Cup final, below:
The Argentina formula that can defy logic to beat Spain in World Cup final
Ahead of a day imbued with more meaning than any other in football, to the extent the stakes can seize lesser players, there is a distinctive serenity about the two teams left.
As Spanish captain Rodri said to his teammates, “Your will to win has to be greater than the fear of losing.” Argentina feel the same.
Part of that comes from performance, and how both sides got to this final. Spain’s route saw the European champions ascend to new peaks against France. Argentina came from behind against England with a Lionel Messi-inspired late show.
Both of the victories infusing these two great sides with even more assurance, but in different ways.
The Argentina formula that can defy logic to beat Spain in World Cup final
Lionel Messi and Argentina are on the brink of back-to-back titles, while Spain can upgrade from European champions to add a second star in what, Miguel Delaney argues, is a match and a day like nothing else in sportMiguel Delaney19 July 2026 11:14
Messi’s emotional message on eve of World Cup final
“The best part of all these years wasn’t just the titles, but the entire journey,” said Messi on Instagram yesterday.
“Sharing every day with this group, competing together, getting back up in tough times, and enjoying every step.
“Thank you to each of my teammates, the coaching staff, and everyone who works every day to keep this national team a family.
“Whatever happens tomorrow, this group has already written a story we’ll never forget and that no one can erase.
“LET’S GO, ARGENTINA.”
Spain v Argentina LIVE: World Cup final build-up
Footballing giants Argentina and Spain will clash in a blockbuster World Cup final tonight, as Lionel Messi graces this stage for perhaps the final time.
All-time great Messi, 39, will look to lead Argentina to a second straight World Cup trophy and the nation’s fourth overall, after triumphs in 1978, 1986 and 2022.
But they face formidable foes in the reigning European champions: Spain, who are seeking their second-ever world championship, having previously lifted the trophy in 2010. And La Roja have 19-year-old star Lamine Yamal in their ranks, a winger who can change any game in an instant.
To get to tonight’s showpiece game in New York, Spain downed France with a clinical 2-0 win in the semi-finals, while Argentina broke English hearts by coming from behind for a late 2-1 victory.
Follow live updates from the World Cup final, right here.
Alex Pattle19 July 2026 11:00