Argentina faces Spain in World Cup final: Messi vs. Yamal in East Rutherford

Lionel Messi, 39 years old and captain of the Argentinians, already has eight goals and four assists to his name. His appearance in the final raises questions, however – not only because of his age, but also because of the strain of the tournament. "Leo is 39, he has achieved everything, and yet he is still at the highest level. That's why we have to give everything. We have to run for him and for Argentina," said his teammate Giuliano Simeone, 23 years old.

Messi and Yamal: A special story

On the other side stands Lamine Yamal, a player who is only 19 years old and yet already possesses the profile of a world star. Yamal scored one goal at this World Cup. The symbolic weight of the duel is enormous: in 2007, Messi held the few-month-old Yamal for a UNICEF photo shoot in a plastic tub at Camp Nou in Barcelona. Now, nearly two decades later, the two face each other on the pitch at MetLife Stadium.

Spain's path to the final was built from a position of defensive strength. The Iberians conceded just one goal on their way to the final – in the 2:1 quarterfinal against Belgium. Before that, goalkeeper Unai Simón had gone 649 minutes without conceding a goal, setting a World Cup record. The team coached by Luis de la Fuente operates compactly, with structure and high ball security.

Spain's defensive strength

In the semifinal, Spain defeated France 2:0. Across the entire tournament, the "Furia Roja" conceded just one goal. The match against Cape Verde also ended 0:0. Left-back Marc Cucurella in particular stands out as a tireless fighter from the defensive unit. But his counterpart on the other side, Pedro Porro, also has a major influence on the game and scored his first two international goals at this World Cup.

In the Spanish attack, Mikel Oyarzabal, 29 years old, is the most conspicuous performer. Striker Mikel Oyarzabal has already scored five goals at this tournament. In each of his six professional finals to date, the 29-year-old has scored: with Real Sociedad San Sebastián in two Spanish cup finals, with the national team in two Nations League finals, as well as the decisive goal in the 2024 European Championship final and with the Olympic squad in the Tokyo final five years ago. He is the "unassuming final expert" in Spain's squad.

Argentina's comeback qualities

Argentina, by contrast, had to endure several scares on the way to the final. Against Cape Verde and Switzerland, they had to go to extra time; against Egypt and England, they rescued themselves with late goals. The team showed those comeback qualities that have earned them the reputation as "mentality monsters." In the semifinal, Lautaro Martínez scored the decisive goal. "Since the day my father gave me my first pair of football boots, I have been waiting for this moment," said Martínez in tears.

The tactical approach of both teams promises an evenly matched duel. Spain relies on possession and controlled phases of play, Argentina on intensity, experience and the ability to strike in decisive moments. "We are a very complete team and that is why we are here," emphasized the midfield star. He expects an extremely physical match against Argentina, said the 30-year-old – Spain's captain Rodri.

Tactics and key players

In terms of personnel, Argentina also has several options. Nico González, who provided a spark on the left side in the semifinal against England, is likely to play a key role again. Coach Scaloni can choose between different formations, depending on how he wants to define Messi's role in the final.

The mood in the Argentine camp, meanwhile, is marked by confidence. The happy faces in the stands or back home would inspire and move them, explained coach Lionel Scaloni. The expectations in the country are huge – not least because Messi has the chance to crown his career with a second World Cup title.

Outlook: What will decide the final

In New York and the region around East Rutherford, the anticipation has been palpable days before kickoff. The city is already going crazy, the fan communities of both sides have gathered in the streets around MetLife Stadium. Argentine and Spanish colors dominate the scene, chants from both language spheres echo through the city.

The final promises not only to be a sporting highlight, but also an event of historic dimension. Should Messi win his second World Cup title, he would definitively ascend to the rank of a football immortal. Should Yamal triumph with Spain, it would mark the beginning of a new era. And should Oyarzabal score, it would be his seventh goal in a professional final in a row.

In the end, it will come down to those factors that have shaped this tournament: defensive stability, individual class and the ability to deliver under pressure. Spain brings the first quality in pure form, Argentina the second and third. The final in East Rutherford today has far more to offer than the duel between superstars Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.

Kickoff is at 9:00 p.m. local time. In Germany, ZDF and MagentaTV will broadcast the match live. It is the last game of a World Cup that, with 104 matches, was more extensive than ever before – and the final could provide a worthy conclusion to this tournament.