Messi's 'last dance' set; Spain get Yamal boost for World Cup final

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has urged fans to savor what could be Lionel Messi's final appearance on football's biggest stage, as his side prepares to face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday in New Jersey. Argentina are seeking back-to-back titles and a fourth overall, while Spain aim to win their first World Cup since 2010. The match is a clash of two unbeaten teams with contrasting styles.

Scaloni: 'Enjoy Messi, he is pure history'

Speaking ahead of the final, Scaloni paid tribute to the 39-year-old captain, who has led Argentina to three major trophies in five years, including two Copa América titles and the 2022 World Cup. "He is pure history. He is a legend. For him to reach a final at thirty-nine years of age is something unbelievable. That's why I say we must enjoy him," Scaloni said. He noted the emotional weight of the moment given the absence of Diego Maradona, who died in 2020. "Sadly, Maradona is no longer with us, so we have to enjoy him. He is a legend, along with this group of players." Scaloni declined to speculate on whether this will be Messi's last match for Argentina, saying, "Ask him. He doesn't stop surprising us." He added that the team's journey has been "unbelievable" regardless of the result.

Yamal overcomes knock, set to play

Spain received a major fitness boost as teenage forward Lamine Yamal was declared fit for the final. The 19-year-old, who limped off in the semi-final win over France and missed Thursday's training, participated fully in Friday's session. Head coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed Yamal had suffered a "strong knock" but was now in "optimal condition." He cautioned that Saturday's final training session will be the last chance to detect any late setbacks, as there would be no time to recover.

Spain's flawless run vs Argentina's resilience

Spain have reached the final unbeaten, conceding just one goal, thanks to their possession-based style and miserly defense. In contrast, Argentina have relied on late goals to win all four knockout matches, showing remarkable resilience. De la Fuente praised both teams, calling them "super teams" with similar attitudes and talent. "I believe both Spain and Argentina will have a game plan where talent and good football will rule over everything else," he said. He acknowledged Argentina's ability to come from behind but noted his own team's history of such comebacks. With the teams so evenly matched, he believes the final will come down to fine details.

What's at stake

For Argentina, a win would make them the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cups, adding to their 1978, 1986, and 2022 titles. For Spain, it would be their first World Cup triumph since 2010. Both coaches expressed mutual respect, with Scaloni calling the journey "unbelievable" and De la Fuente promising a "great show." As the football world turns its eyes to New Jersey, all signs point to a captivating encounter defined by talent, emotion, and the possible end of an era.