Updated

Updated · ESPN · Jul 19

Argentina Makes 3 Lineup Changes for 2026 World Cup Final as Messi Starts Record 3rd

Updated

Updated · ESPN · Jul 19

Argentina Makes 3 Lineup Changes for 2026 World Cup Final as Messi Starts Record 3rd

Q: Will Messi's final dance end in glory, or will teenage phenom Lamine Yamal lead Spain to the World Cup title?

It is too close to call, but Spain enter the final with a slight edge while Messi gives Argentina the one factor no model can fully price in. Spain arrive as the more balanced side. Luis de la Fuente has kept the same lineup that beat France 2-0, and La Roja have conceded only one goal all tournament, with Unai Simón posting six clean sheets. Their 37-game unbeaten run, control-based style and depth have made them the favorite in several projections, including Opta’s model. Even with Lamine Yamal not at his absolute sharpest after recent fitness management, Spain’s threat has been collective as much as individual, with Mikel Oyarzabal and Fabián Ruiz key figures. Argentina, though, have the tournament’s defining player. Messi, 39, is set to start a record third World Cup final and has produced eight goals and four assists in North America. Scaloni’s changes — bringing in Rodrigo De Paul, Nico González and Gonzalo Montiel — suggest a push for energy, width and experience. Eight starters also played in the 2022 final win, and Argentina are chasing a rare back-to-back title, something no team has done since Brazil in 1962. So the evidence points slightly toward Spain because of their defensive control and consistency. But if the match becomes chaotic, stretches into extra time, or turns on one decisive moment, Messi has repeatedly shown he can bend finals and tournaments to his will. The safest reading is Spain by structure, Argentina by genius.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 19

Rodrigo De Paul, Nico González and Gonzalo Montiel came into Argentina's starting XI for Sunday's World Cup final against Spain, replacing Giuliano Simeone, Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina.
Lionel Scaloni kept the core of his title-holding side intact, with eight starters also having opened the 2022 final; Messi will become the first man to start three World Cup finals.
Montiel returns with added significance after scoring the winning penalty in Argentina's 2022 triumph over France, while Nicolás Otamendi was reduced to the bench and Ángel Di María has retired internationally.
Spain made no changes after their 2-0 semifinal win over France, setting up a first international meeting between Messi and Lamine Yamal in a final between the reigning South American and European champions.