A supercomputer has predicted Spain will win the World Cup, with La Roja facing Argentina in Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The Opta computer gives Spain a 45.1 per cent chance of winning the trophy inside 90 minutes, while Argentina have a 29.4 per cent chance. There is a 25.4 per cent probability of extra time or a penalty shootout.
Spain reached the final with a comprehensive 2-0 win over France in the semi-finals. Midfielder Rodri praised the team's performance, saying: "I'm very proud of my team and what it represents for us. Now it's time to rest because we probably have the most important match of our lives on Sunday."
Argentina, the reigning champions, overcame England 2-1 in their semi-final, coming from behind in the dying stages. Lionel Messi described the victory as special, saying: "It wasn't just another victory; it was an important victory that the Argentine people wanted, and we wanted it too, and it put us in another World Cup final."
If Messi plays, he will become only the second player, after Brazil's Cafu, to feature in three World Cup finals, having appeared in 2014 and 2022. Victory would make the 39-year-old the first captain to retain the World Cup, following Argentina's triumph over France in Qatar four years ago.
Spain, the Euro 2024 champions, are slight favourites with bookmakers ahead of the clash. Rodri, who plays for Manchester City, is one game away from winning the World Cup.
