Messi chases final World Cup glory as Spain face Argentina in title decider

NEW YORK: Spain and Argentina will meet in Sunday’s World Cup final in East Rutherford, where the European and South American champions go head-to-head for the trophy at MetLife Stadium.

Argentina, the defending champions, are trying to become the first side in 64 years to retain the World Cup. The match is also expected to be Lionel Messi’s final appearance in the tournament, with the 39-year-old captain set to play in a third World Cup final and equal Cafu’s record of appearances in finals in 1994, 1998 and 2002.

The final of the biggest World Cup yet is expected to draw a crowd of more than 80,000, including US President Donald Trump. World Cup officials have said they are monitoring air quality in the area because of Canadian wildfires. Kick-off is scheduled for 12am PST, and the match will include a 25 to 30-minute half-time break for a concert featuring Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber.

Messi at the centre of Argentina’s run

Messi has scored eight goals on Argentina’s route to the final and is in contention for the Golden Boot. He also played a decisive role in key knockout matches, helping inspire a comeback from 2-0 down against Egypt in the last 16 as Argentina won 3-2, and then setting up two goals in the 2-1 semi-final win over England in Atlanta.

Argentina’s progress has reflected the resilience of Lionel Scaloni’s side. The coach, who has guided the team to successive Copa America titles on either side of their 2022 World Cup success, said the team’s strength lies in its collective spirit and resolve.

“This group is difficult to explain,” he said. “It is a show of the collectiveness, the brotherhood that we are in, the willingness to fight to the very end.

“I know the guys. They fear nothing.”

That durability is likely to be tested again against a Spain side that has grown into the tournament and arrives in the final after a 2-0 win over France in the semi-finals.

Spain’s control and defensive record

Spain’s display against France highlighted the qualities of Luis de la Fuente’s team. Their possession-based style, anchored by Rodri, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo in midfield, helped contain France before Spain converted the openings that came their way.

Spain’s defence has been the strongest in the tournament, conceding only one goal and keeping six clean sheets in seven matches. Another shutout in the final would give Spain the record for the fewest goals conceded by a World Cup-winning team. The 2010 champions are seeking a second world title.

In attack, Lamine Yamal could prove important. The 19-year-old Barcelona winger, who starred in Spain’s European Championship triumph two years ago, has been working his way back from a hamstring problem and has not consistently shown his best form at this World Cup. Still, he produced important moments against France, winning the penalty that put Spain ahead and also seeing a third goal ruled out for a marginal offside.

Scaloni faces his former mentor

Sunday’s final also carries a personal subplot for the coaches. De la Fuente, 65, who became Spain manager in 2022 after working successfully with the country’s youth sides, previously taught Scaloni during the Argentina coach’s professional licence studies in 2018.

Scaloni, 48, who lives in Spain and has family ties there, said he would set aside that relationship for the final.

“He was my mentor, and he taught me everything I know and now we are facing each other in a final,” Scaloni said of de la Fuente.

“Everyone knows I live in Spain and have Spanish family. And I’m very, very sorry, but on Sunday I’m going to try to beat him. “