This is one of the most attractive final scenarios that the 2026 World Cup can bring. The reigning world champion Argentina, the number one team on the FIFA rankings, will face the reigning European champion Spain, the world second team.
Right from the time the draw was determined in a fixed format, many people were waiting for the possibility that the two teams would meet in the final at MetLife Stadium (New York, New Jersey).
In sports, everything rarely goes as planned. Both Argentina and Spain have gone through many challenges on their journey to the final, but in the end, the two strongest teams still participated in the decisive moment.
The final will also bring a confrontation that the whole world is waiting for between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal - a clash between the greatest player of all time and the brightest young star of world football.
There is no more deserving stage for Messi, as it is likely that this will be his last appearance in the Argentina national team jersey.
Although he has turned 39, Messi is still the soul in Argentina's playing style, the biggest support both professionally and mentally.
4 years ago, many people believed that the 2022 World Cup final against France would be Messi's farewell to the World Cup stage. However, he continued to extend his international career and is now facing the opportunity to lead Argentina to become the first team to successfully defend the World Cup championship since Brazil in 1962.
At the 2026 World Cup, El Pulga is no longer operating at a high intensity as before. He plays more leisurely, saves energy and chooses the time to make a difference. But whenever Argentina needs it, their captain knows how to shine.
Messi started the comeback against Egypt in the round of 16, before continuing to make his mark with two assists to help Argentina defeat England in the semi-finals.
However, Spain also possesses a significant advantage. Luis de la Fuente's team has 24 more hours of rest and preparation compared to Argentina. In the hot weather conditions in the US, a longer recovery time can make a significant difference.
2 years ago, Spain won EURO after a victory over England in the final. 2 years later, La Roja continued to participate in the final match of the World Cup after a convincing performance against France.
That victory came from a dominant performance in midfield, where Rodri, Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz completely controlled France's midfield, making Kylian Mbappe and his teammates almost have no chance to make a difference.
Spain is rated slightly higher before the final. They possess a younger, more energetic squad and have superior force depth.
However, as England just experienced, underestimating Argentina is extremely dangerous. Lionel Scaloni's team always knows how to overcome adversity and win even when they do not play better than their opponent.
All factors converge to create a classic final. And if Messi can close his international career with a second consecutive World Cup title, it will be a fairytale-like ending for one of the greatest players in football history.
