Messi eyes memorable goodbye as Spain, Argentina clash in World Cup final

European champions Spain will meet South American champions Argentina in a historic World Cup final on Sunday, when the two continents meet for the biggest reward in football.

Holders Argentina are looking to become the first side in 64 years to retain their title, in what is very definitely going to be the last World Cup match of captain Lionel Messi’s career.

Spain are hoping to frustrate those plans by winning the country’s second World Cup title after their first in 2010.

The biggest World Cup ever will culminate at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, with a star-studded audience of slightly over 80,000, including US President Donald Trump.

World Cup authorities say they are “closely monitoring” air quality from Canadian wildfires impacting the area surrounding the final, which kicks off at 3pm local time (1900 GMT).

There will also be a record 25-30 minute half-time break for a Super Bowl-style show including the likes of Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber.

But the true drama will be on the pitch in a cross-continental confrontation of footballing giants that sparkles with sub-plots.

The storyline will concentrate on Argentina’s Messi, the talent considered by many to be the greatest football player of all time.

The experienced superstar will be only the second man ever to participate in three World Cup finals, equalling the feat of Brazilian great Cafu in 1994, 1998 and 2002.

Messi is in the race for the Golden Boot after scoring eight goals as part of Argentina’s run to the final, and is enjoying a classic World Cup.

REPEATED FLIGHT

More importantly, the eight-time Ballon D’Or winner has bailed out Argentina time and time again when they looked on their way out.

Messi provided the spark for an astonishing comeback triumph over Egypt in the last 16 when the South Americans were 2-0 behind with 11 minutes to go before winning 3-2.

He then set up two goals in a dramatic 2-1 come-from-behind win over England in Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta.

That victory was emblematic of Argentina’s stubborn, never-say-die attitude, a rough resilience moulded under head coach Lionel Scaloni.

Scaloni, who has guided Argentina to two Copa America titles around a 2022 World Cup win, credits his team’s success to fearlessness.“This is a hard group to describe,” he remarked. “It’s a showing of the collectiveness, the brotherhood that we are in, the want to fight the fight to the very end.I know the men. They fear nothing.”

Argentina’s incredible resilience is expected to be tested most severely in the tournament’s most exciting game on Sunday.

Spain have built up momentum in the early rounds before coming in the final with a great performance in the semi-finals to overcome favourites France 2-0.

That performance highlighted the talents of Spain coach Luis de la Fuente’s squad, who responded to France’s formidable attacking arsenal with their typical brand of excellent possession-based football.

But Spain’s brilliant midfield, led by captain Rodri and also Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo, ran rings around France, biding their time before creating the openings that led to the vital goals.

RING OF STEEL

So far, Spain’s defence has been the strongest of the tournament, with just one goal conceded and six clean sheets in seven games.

A win and another shutout on Sunday would give Spain the record for the least goals ever allowed by a World Cup winner.

Lamine Yamal, the Spanish prodigy, might be vital in attack.

The 19-year-old Barcelona winger was the hero of Spain’s European Championship winning campaign in Germany two years ago, but has not been at his dazzling best in this tournament as he continues to work his way back from a hamstring injury.

But Yamal was also in the semi-final loss of France, gaining the penalty that gave La Roja an important lead, and having what would have been a spectacular third goal knocked out after a slight offside call.

Spain’s dynamic manager de la Fuente will meanwhile face a personal confrontation against a former student in Argentine counterpart Scaloni.

De la Fuente, 65, replaced Spain coach in 2022 after a successful spell as youth team boss, and coached Scaloni back in 2018 when the Argentina boss was working for his professional licence.

Scaloni, 48, who has strong personal and professional links to Spain, where he lives, says he would shelve his friendship with de la Fuente for the final on Sunday.He was my guru, he taught me everything I know and now we are fighting each other in a final,” Scaloni said of de la Fuente.Everybody knows I live in Spain and have Spanish family. And I’m very, very sad, but I’m going to attempt to beat him on Sunday.”