Argentina captain Lionel Messi says his familiarity with Spain’s players and style of football will make Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final even more special as the reigning champions chase a second consecutive world title.
Argentina booked their place in the final after staging a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England. Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions the lead early in the second half before Enzo Fernández equalised and Lautaro Martínez struck a stoppage-time winner to send La Albiceleste into another World Cup final.
The match will be the third World Cup final of Messi’s illustrious career. He was part of the Argentina side that lost to Germany in the 2014 final before captaining his country to victory over France in the 2022 showpiece.
Speaking after the semifinal, Messi praised Spain, describing the European champions as one of the strongest teams in international football.
“They’re a tremendous team with outstanding players. They play excellent football,” Messi said.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner revealed that his long association with Barcelona has given him a deep understanding of Spain’s squad, many of whom play for the Catalan giants.
“I know the Spanish team very well. They have a style of play they’ve developed over many years, and I know many of the players personally.”
“I’ve played against many of them throughout my career, and I continue to follow them closely. Several of them play for Barcelona, a club that means a great deal to me and one that I still follow. That makes this a very special World Cup final.”
Despite his admiration for Spain, Messi expects an evenly balanced contest as both nations bid for football’s biggest prize.
“I expect it to be a very closely contested match. Finals are always decided by small details, and this one won’t be any different.”
Argentina will be aiming to retain the FIFA World Cup for the first time since Brazil achieved the feat in 1962, while Spain are chasing their second world title after lifting the trophy in 2010.
