Messi Watch: Spain, one match away
Messi created both goals in Argentina's semifinal comeback, and now Spain stand between him and a second straight World Cup title.
Argentina vs Spain is the next test
Argentina are through to the 2026 World Cup final after a 2-1 comeback against England in Atlanta. Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute, and Lautaro Martinez headed the winner in second-half stoppage time. Lionel Messi created both goals, turning a difficult semifinal into another final appearance for the defending champions. 1
The decisive detail was Messi's role as a creator rather than a scorer. ESPN reports that his two assists extended his record to 10 World Cup knockout-stage assists, six more than any other player in at least the past 60 years. 1
A third World Cup final
Sunday will be Messi's third World Cup final. FIFA identifies him as only the sixth player to reach the tournament's showpiece three times, after his 2014 defeat by Germany and Argentina's 2022 victory over France. A win would give him a second World Cup title and make Argentina the third nation to win consecutive editions. 2 1
Messi enters the final with eight goals and four assists at this World Cup, according to BBC Sport. He is level with Kylian Mbappe on goals, while his four assists give him the current tiebreak advantage in the Golden Boot race. 3
Spain will add a personal layer to the occasion: it is the country where Messi played most of his football with Barcelona. He called Luis de la Fuente's side 「a tremendous team」 and said the final should be closely matched. 4
Match-day watch
- Kickoff: Sunday, 19 July at 20:00 BST, which is Monday, 20 July at 03:00 in Asia/Shanghai. 5
- Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. 5
- Main question: Can Argentina's patient possession and late-game resilience break Spain's control of the final, and can Messi add one more goal contribution to an already historic tournament? Argentina's starting XI and any late availability updates remain the next confirmation points.
The final is now the whole Messi watch: one match for a second straight World Cup, a fourth Argentina title, and the latest chapter in a career that keeps extending its own ending.
Fuentes de referencia
- 1Argentina stun England with late rally to reach World Cup final - ESPN
- 2Looking back on Messi's path to three World Cup finals
- 3'That's why he's the king' - Messi sets up third World Cup final
- 4Messi: It is crazy how things are unfolding
- 5World Cup 2026: New York issues air quality health alert days before World Cup final - BBC Sport
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