The biggest-ever FIFA World Cup™ concludes on Sunday with a blockbuster final between Spain and Argentina.
Both nations have shown exceptional quality and an inexhaustible competitive spirit to go all the way to the title decider. Ahead of what promises to be a captivating contest at New York New Jersey Stadium, FIFA looks at the individual duels which could prove decisive.
Aymeric Laporte v Lionel Messi
Messi may have turned 39 just over a fortnight ago, but his mesmerising match-winning ability remains undiminished. The Argentina superstar leads the adidas Golden Boot race with eight goals and has become the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer. He is also top of the creativity standings in the FIFA Power Rankings, powered by Aramco. Messi has provided four assists, with two of those helping Argentina mount a stunning late comeback to beat England in the semi-finals.
If Spain can limit Messi’s influence, it could go a long way to La Roja winning their second World Cup title. Laporte will be among those faced with that gargantuan task. The Athletic Bilbao player has been in immaculate form and has formed a rock-solid centre-back partnership with 19-year-old Pau Cubarsi. Spain have conceded just one goal in their seven World Cup matches, with Laporte’s composure and authority a key factor behind their outstanding record.
Rodri v Enzo Fernandez
Two midfield titans are primed to go head-to-head in the centre of the park. Spain captain Rodri has been at his dominant best at this World Cup. He has helped La Roja control matches with his laser-like distribution: no player at the competition has completed more than his 648 passes, and he boasts an accuracy rate of 93 per cent. His athleticism has also been on show, with his total distance covered of 83,802 metres another tournament high. His uncanny ability to make crucial interventions to stop opposition attacks, meanwhile, is underlined by the fact he leads the defending category in the Power Rankings.
Rodri will aim to dictate the tempo of Sunday’s final, but will be up against a ferocious competitor in Fernandez. Having won the FIFA Young Player Award at Qatar 2022, the 25-year-old has again shone on the world stage. Fernandez works tirelessly off the ball and has repeatedly won back possession for his team – his 43 forced turnovers are more than any other Argentina player. Fernandez has also contributed vital goals during the knockout phase. First, he popped up with a stoppage-time header to complete Argentina’s remarkable last-16 comeback win over Egypt. And when La Albiceleste’s dreams of a title defence looked to be fading against England in the semi-final, Fernandez powered home a fabulous 85th-minute equaliser.
Lamine Yamal v Nicolas Tagliafico
Perhaps the most electrifying young talent of his generation, Yamal’s influence has steadily grown throughout the tournament. The Barcelona star headed World Cup after a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury and, while he may not have hit top gear yet, there are signs he could be peaking at the perfect time. Yamal’s pace and movement led to the penalty which gave Spain the lead in their semi-final against France and he looked extremely sharp throughout. The right winger’s imagination and guile, meanwhile, is highlighted by the fact he is sixth in the Power Rankings for creativity.
Argentina left-back Tagliafico will aim to prevent Yamal wreaking havoc. The Lyon man was part of La Albiceleste’s World Cup-winning side four years ago and has again proved his worth in North America. A true team player, Tagliafico is a strong one-on-one defender and possesses impressive tactical awareness. The 33-year-old has won 82 caps for his country and played 120 minutes of their Qatar 2022 final against France. Tagliafico’s experience of performing, and winning, in the biggest game of all will surely be invaluable when he faces up with Yamal and Co in New York New Jersey.
