Spain and Argentina are set to meet in the World Cup final at New York/New Jersey Stadium, with major history on the line for both teams. Spain is aiming to lift a second World Cup trophy, while Argentina enters the match as the four-time champion and current title holder.
One of the main storylines before kickoff has been the attention around Spain's young talent and the inevitable comparisons with Lionel Messi. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said it is unwise to compare Yamal with Messi ahead of such a high-pressure match, keeping the focus on the team rather than individual labels.
Spain's path to the final has included a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in its opening game, but the side has still done enough to reach the tournament's biggest stage. That makes this final a chance to cap its campaign with another world title.
Argentina, meanwhile, arrives with the experience and expectations that come with being defending champion. With Messi again drawing global attention and Spain trying to complete a title-winning run, the final brings together two of football's biggest names in a match with global significance.
