Argentina’s Lionel Messi (centre) exercises during a training session on the eve of the final.
Doha, Qatar: Lionel Messi has dazzled once again on football’s biggest stage and now stands just one victory away from ending his remarkable World Cup journey in perfect fashion as defending champions Argentina take on European champions Spain in what promises to be a spectacular FIFA World Cup final tonight.
The Argentine captain heads into the World Cup final with eight goals and four assists to his name.
At 39, Messi has once again been the driving force behind Argentina’s campaign and will hope to add another unforgettable chapter to an extraordinary career.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni urged football fans to cherish the opportunity to watch his captain, describing Messi as “a legend” and “the best player in the history of football”.
“We still have Leo and we should appreciate that,” Scaloni said after Argentina reached another World Cup final.
The showpiece at the New York New Jersey Stadium, kicking off at 10pm Qatar time, will be the 104th and final match of the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup. Argentina are aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup, while Spain are bidding to lift the trophy for only the second time after their historic triumph in South Africa 16 years ago.
Argentina enjoyed a perfect group stage, beating Algeria, Austria and Jordan, with Messi scoring in every match. The knockout rounds, however, tested Lionel Scaloni’s side to the limit.
They survived extra time against Cape Verde before producing one of the tournament’s greatest comebacks, recovering from two goals down late in the game to stun Egypt 3-2.
The defending champions then needed extra time again to beat Switzerland before showing their trademark resilience in the semi-finals. Trailing England entering the closing stages, Argentina struck twice through Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez to seal another dramatic comeback and book a second successive World Cup final.
Scaloni said the team’s journey over the past five years had already been extraordinary, adding: “We might win and I hope we do but in any case the journey to get this far has been incredible.”
Spain’s campaign has been built on control, discipline and outstanding defending. Luis de la Fuente’s side began with a surprise goalless draw against Cape Verde before defeating Saudi Arabia and Uruguay to top Group H.
La Roja then eased past Austria in the Round of 32 before Mikel Merino’s late winners against Portugal and Belgium carried them into the semi-finals.
Their finest performance came against France, where they completely controlled the contest to secure a deserved 2-0 victory and return to the World Cup final for the first time since 2010. Scaloni expects another stern examination, saying of Spain: “They are a great team. Everything worries me about them.”
The final also presents a fascinating clash of footballing styles.
Spain have conceded only one goal throughout the tournament and have dominated opponents with patient possession, relentless pressing and one of the strongest midfields in world football.
Rodri has once again been the heartbeat of the Spanish side, while young star Lamine Yamal continues to excite with his fearless attacking play.
Argentina, meanwhile, have relied on experience, resilience and moments of brilliance from Messi. They have scored more goals than any other team in the tournament and repeatedly shown they can fight back under pressure.
With Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez providing support, Scaloni’s side possesses quality across the pitch.
Much attention will naturally focus on Messi and Yamal. The veteran chasing one final World Cup triumph and the teenager widely regarded as one of football’s brightest talents represent two generations sharing the biggest stage in the sport.
While they may not directly face each other, both have the ability to decide the destination of the trophy.
Spain coach De la Fuente acknowledged his side would pay “special attention” to Messi but ruled out using man-to-man marking, describing the Argentine as “one of a kind” and an example for young athletes after his outstanding tournament.
History offers little between the two nations at the World Cup. Their only previous meeting came in the 1966 tournament, when Argentina claimed a 2-1 victory. They have met frequently in friendlies since then, with Spain holding the advantage, including a memorable 6-1 win in Madrid in 2018.
None of those results, however, will matter when they step onto the field tonight. De la Fuente said he has “nothing but admiration” for Argentina and Scaloni, believing both finalists will produce a contest in which “talent and good football will rule over everything else.”
