The 2026 World Cup final pits Argentina against Spain at East Rutherford, New Jersey. Argentina seek back-to-back titles after 2022, becoming the first side to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1958-62. Messi plays his last match for the national team against a Spain unbeaten in 37 straight games (28 wins, 9 draws).
Spain chase a second title after 2010. The Messi-Yamal matchup is also in focus, the two photographed together 19 years ago. Scaloni: "The best player the world has seen". De la Fuente: "It will be an incredible spectacle".
Sources
- [AP News — The World Cup final awaits, with Messi and defending champion Argentina set to face Spain](https://apnews.com/article/messi-spain-argentina-world-cup-final-bd35b9beccfc120ec0a78fd72162f33c)
