NEW YORK: The grandest stage in sports is ready for its biggest match. Defending champions Argentina will take on European kings Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup this Sunday at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Argentina reached the final after a breathtaking semi-final win against England. Trailing 1-0 late in the second half, the 39-year-old legend Lionel Messi stepped up to save his country. Messi provided two magic assists—setting up Enzo Fernández for a brilliant long-range strike in the 85th minute, and Lautaro Martínez for a dramatic winner in injury time—to seal a 2-1 victory. The win gives Messi a chance to defend his crown in his final ever World Cup appearance.
Standing in Argentina’s way is a red-hot Spain team that comfortably outclassed tournament favorites France 2-0 in their semi-final match. Spain has been an absolute wall during the tournament, letting in only one single goal across all their matches so far.
The dream final sets up an incredible story: Lionel Messi, who has a massive 8 goals in this tournament, will face 19-year-old Spanish wonderkid Lamine Yamal. The young Barcelona star considers Messi his ultimate idol, and now the two will go head-to-head for the first time in their international careers with the world title on the line.
