FIFA have got the World Cup final they always wanted after England's painful semi-final exit. World champions Argentina, ranked first in the world, will meet European champions Spain, ranked second, at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday night.
From the moment FIFA mapped out this World Cup on a tennis-style draw, these two nations were put on a collision course. It is rare in sport that things work out as planned, but both teams have overcome major scares to reach the final.
Messi's Potential Farewell
This game will also give us Lionel Messi against Lamine Yamal: the greatest of all time against Spain's young superstar. Messi, at 39, is still Argentina's most important player and inspiration. This could be his last game for Argentina, his 207th appearance, with 126 goals. He looks to lead Argentina to become the first nation to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962.
Messi has taken up walking football in this tournament but has stepped up when needed. He led the fightback to overcome Egypt and helped break English hearts in the semi-final in Atlanta.
Spain's Advantage
Spain have an extra 24 hours to recover and prepare, which can be huge in the sweltering conditions. They won the Euros two years ago by beating England in the final and now return to the World Cup final after destroying France in their semi-final. They completely overwhelmed Kylian Mbappé and Co, largely because their midfield of Rodri, Dani Olmo, and Fabian Ruiz ran the game.
Spain must be favourites. They have more quality, youth, and energy. But as England discovered, you write off Argentina at your peril. They never know when they are beaten.
This has all the makings of a classic and the chance for a fairytale farewell for Messi, the greatest of all time. It has been a fantastic World Cup on the pitch, and this is a great way to sign off.
