Head-to-Head Record
Although these footballing giants have crossed paths on numerous occasions over the decades, competitive meetings between Spain and Argentina remain relatively rare. Their encounters have often been defined by technical quality rather than physicality, with both nations preferring possession-based football built around exceptional midfield talent.
Spain enjoyed an emphatic 6-1 victory in Madrid during a memorable international friendly in 2018, while Argentina gained revenge with a 2-1 win in their most recent meeting in March 2024. Historically, there has been little to separate the nations, making Sunday’s World Cup Final a fitting occasion to write another chapter in their rivalry.
Both squads have evolved considerably since those meetings. Spain now boast one of the youngest starting elevens in international football, while Argentina continue to blend experienced World Cup winners with emerging stars entering their prime.
With the FIFA World Cup trophy at stake for the first time between these two nations, previous meetings will matter little once the match begins.
Recent Meetings
Argentina 2-1 Spain (Friendly, March 2024)
Spain 6-1 Argentina (Friendly, March 2018)
Argentina 0-1 Spain (Friendly, September 2010)
Spain 2-1 Argentina (Friendly, November 2009)
Argentina 2-1 Spain (Friendly, November 2006)
Team News & Injury Report
Spain
Luis de la Fuente is expected to have an almost fully-fit squad available for the World Cup Final. The biggest talking point during the build-up surrounded teenage superstar Lamine Yamal and full-back Pedro Porro, who both trained individually earlier in the week as a precaution.
However, both players are expected to be available for selection after avoiding any significant injury concerns. Rodri continues to anchor the midfield superbly, while Pedri and Dani Olmo are expected to retain their places behind captain Álvaro Morata.
Spain’s greatest strength throughout the tournament has been consistency. De la Fuente has rarely needed to rotate his strongest side, allowing excellent understanding to develop between every unit of the team.
Lamine Yamal – Expected to be fit
Pedro Porro – Expected to be fit
No confirmed suspensions
Full-strength squad expected
Argentina
Lionel Scaloni also enters the final with very few selection headaches. Lionel Messi continues to manage his workload carefully between matches but has shown no signs of slowing down during the knockout rounds.
Julián Álvarez has formed an outstanding partnership with Messi, while Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister continue to provide the perfect balance in midfield.
At the back, Cristian Romero has been one of the tournament’s standout defenders, while Emiliano Martínez once again arrives on football’s biggest stage carrying an aura that few goalkeepers can match.
Lionel Messi – Expected to start
No major injury concerns
No confirmed suspensions
Strongest XI expected
Predicted Lineups & Tactical Setup
Spain (4-3-3)
Predicted XI: Unai Simón (GK), Pedro Porro, Robin Le Normand, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Rodri, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Álvaro Morata (C), Nico Williams
Spain are expected to remain faithful to the fluid 4-3-3 system that has carried them throughout the tournament. Rodri will dictate possession from the base of midfield, allowing Pedri and Dani Olmo freedom to operate between Argentina’s defensive lines.
Out wide, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal provide arguably the quickest and most exciting wing partnership in international football. Their willingness to attack defenders one-versus-one stretches opponents horizontally, creating central spaces for Morata to exploit.
When out of possession, Spain press aggressively from the front. Morata leads the initial pressure before the midfield compresses space, forcing opponents into rushed decisions. It has been one of the defining tactical features of their World Cup campaign.
Argentina (4-3-3)
Predicted XI: Emiliano Martínez (GK), Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Lionel Messi (C), Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González
Argentina’s shape is considerably more flexible than it appears on paper. Without possession they often defend in a compact 4-4-2, with Messi drifting into central positions ready to launch devastating counter-attacks.
Scaloni will rely heavily on De Paul and Enzo Fernández to disrupt Spain’s rhythm before releasing Messi between the lines. Once Argentina regain possession they transition extremely quickly, looking for early forward passes rather than lengthy build-up play.
Emiliano Martínez also plays a crucial tactical role. His confidence with the ball allows Argentina to bypass Spain’s high press when required, while his command of the penalty area provides reassurance to the entire defensive unit.
Tactical Analysis
This final presents one of the tournament’s most fascinating tactical battles.
Spain are likely to dominate possession for long periods, patiently moving Argentina from side to side before accelerating through Pedri or Dani Olmo. Their full-backs push high up the pitch, creating overloads that have overwhelmed several opponents during the knockout stages.
Argentina are unlikely to be concerned if Spain enjoy sixty per cent or more possession. Scaloni’s side have repeatedly demonstrated they are comfortable defending in compact banks before striking with ruthless efficiency on the break.
The central midfield contest may ultimately determine the destination of the trophy. Rodri’s composure under pressure contrasts perfectly with the relentless energy of Rodrigo De Paul, while Enzo Fernández and Pedri will both attempt to dictate the rhythm whenever their teams enjoy sustained possession.
Another fascinating duel will develop on Spain’s right flank, where Lamine Yamal’s pace and creativity will test Nicolás Tagliafico throughout the evening. If Argentina double up defensively, additional space could open for Dani Olmo to exploit centrally.
Conversely, every time Lionel Messi receives possession between Spain’s midfield and defensive lines, Argentina become immediately dangerous. Even at this stage of his career, Messi continues to possess the vision and precision capable of deciding the biggest matches.
Should the game remain level entering the final half-hour, expect both managers to introduce fresh attacking options from the bench. Spain arguably possess slightly greater depth, while Argentina’s experience in managing high-pressure knockout situations could prove invaluable if extra time or penalties become necessary.
