Argentina, Spain ready for blockbuster World Cup final
NEW YORK: Argentina and Spain will finally settle a meeting long delayed when they face off in Sunday’s World Cup final, with Lionel Messi chasing another title against a Spanish side seeking to cap an unbeaten run with a second world crown.
The champions of South America and Europe had been due to meet in the Finalissima earlier this year before the match was cancelled following the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Now, instead of contesting a ceremonial intercontinental title, they will meet on football’s biggest stage with the World Cup at stake.
The final pits Argentina’s resilience and emotion against Spain’s measured, possession-based style in a contest filled with personal connections stretching from the dugout to Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.
Argentina have reached a second consecutive World Cup final four years after Messi finally lifted the trophy in Qatar. At 39, the captain has continued to defy age, inspiring Lionel Scaloni’s side with decisive goals and assists throughout the tournament.
Their title defence has been built on resilience rather than dominance.
With 17 members of the squad returning from their 2022 triumph, Argentina needed extra time to beat Cape Verde in the round of 32 before surviving tense knockout victories over Egypt, Switzerland and England.
