Messi and Argentina set to face Spain for World Cup title
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Lionel Messi and Argentina face unbeaten Spain in the World Cup final, with Spain aiming for their second title and Argentina seeking back-to-back championships for the first time since Brazil in 1962.
- Messi, playing likely his final World Cup, has a personal history with Spain, having spent much of his club career there and turning down the chance to represent Spain internationally.
- Spain enters the final with a strong defensive record, conceding only one goal in seven matches, and has not trailed in the tournament, making them favorites against Argentina.
- Argentina’s journey included Messi’s brief retirement in 2016, but he returned to lead the team to multiple recent titles, solidifying his legacy as one of football’s greatest.
- The final marks the conclusion of a tournament marked by geopolitical tensions and controversies, with hopes for a historic and memorable match between two of the world’s best teams.
