Lionel Messi’s battle-worn Argentina take on silky Spain in the World Cup final today as the first 48-team competition in history to a finale in New Jersey.
South Americans are aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups, while Spain are after a second crown following their inaugural success in 2010, AFP writes.
Messi, largely regarded as the greatest player of all time, is expected to have his farewell World Cup participation today.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni called on supporters to take full advantage of watching the little genius lead out his squad at MetLife Stadium at the age of 39.
“He’s made history. “He is a legend,” said Scaloni of the former Barcelona star who helped Argentina win the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
The three-time champions have demonstrated an incredible never-say-die spirit during the 2026 competition.
They came from 2-0 down late on to beat Egypt in the last 16 and staged another spectacular comeback in the closing moments of their semi-final against England.
Spain, in contrast, have been near-perfect, surrendering only one goal in seven matches thus far and brushing aside France in the semi-finals.
Spain captain Rodri said he was preparing for a “physical” confrontation and will want to disregard any potential “provocations”.
Learn more governor Governor Demographics “It’s going to be a more physical game and we have to be ready for that,” said the midfielder.
“But I think that if there is something that this national team is known for it is that we know how to play different games depending on the moment.
England beat France 6-4 in a high-scoring thriller yesterday to claim third place – their best finish since winning the championship in 1966.
Kylian Mbappe finished as the competition’s all-time top scorer with 22 goals – one ahead Lionel Messi, who can reclaim the record tonight.
US President Donald Trump will be among the 80,000 in the crowd at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford – his first game in the tournament.
It will also be attended by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney meaning all three host nation leaders will be present.
A galaxy of A-list artists will be performing – from Tom Cruise in the pre-game closing ceremony to Madonna and Shakira in the half-time performance, the first in World Cup history.
Speaking at a reception in New York with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino on Friday, Trump said the tournament was “the most successful sporting event, maybe in the history of the world.”
Infantino too employed hyperbole, stating the event had “exceeded all expectations”.
“This has not been and is not just the greatest World Cup of all times,” stated Infantino.
‘It is the biggest human, social and cultural event that
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