As Argentina faces Spain in the World Cup final, records are on the line, including Messi's historic appearance and Scaloni's coaching milestones.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Jul 19, 2026 ALN: East Rutherford, New Jersey: Expect some goals in the World Cup final. At least, that's what history says. The anticipation surrounding the match between Argentina and Spain is palpable, as both teams have a rich history and a legacy of football excellence. The stakes have never been higher, as they prepare to clash in a historic showdown that could define the careers of many players and coaches involved.
In the 22 previous World Cup men's finals, which includes the notable 1950 match between Uruguay and Brazil that technically wasn't a final but determined the tournament's champion, the winning team has averaged 2.6 goals in the title matchup. The losing team has averaged 1.1 goals, indicating a propensity for high-scoring encounters in the most crucial matches of football. This trend sets the stage for what many expect to be an exciting and competitive final.
The two most recent World Cup finals have been offensive slugfests, with a combined 12 goals. France beat Croatia 4-2 in 2018, while Argentina and France tied 3-3 in 2022, with Argentina ultimately prevailing in a penalty shootout. These matches showcase the attacking prowess of modern football, as teams increasingly prioritize offensive strategies that can lead to thrilling displays.
Historically, teams scoring at least two goals have won the World Cup title 17 times; however, there have been eight instances where a team scored at least two goals in the final and still fell short. This statistic underlines the unpredictability and drama that can unfold in high-stakes matches. Notably, there have been three 1-0 wins in World Cup finals, with West Germany defeating Argentina in 1990, Spain overcoming the Netherlands in 2010, and Germany again triumphing over Argentina in 2014. Additionally, there was one 0-0 tie in a final; Brazil won against Italy in a penalty shootout in the 1994 final, which held the distinction of being the only one played on U.S. soil until now.
If Argentina wins on Sunday, Lionel Scaloni, who led the team's push to the 2022 title, would become just the second person to coach two World Cup championship clubs. The only other coach to achieve this feat is Vittorio Pozzo, who guided Italy to back-to-back victories in 1934 and 1938. Scaloni's potential achievement is a testament to his tactical acumen and ability to inspire his players to perform at their best on the world stage.
No other coach has managed to secure two titles, although three menâBrazil's MĂĄrio Zagallo, West Germany's Franz Beckenbauer, and France's Didier Deschampsâhave the unique distinction of winning World Cups both as players and coaches. This underscores the rarity of success at the highest levels of football and the immense pressure that comes with leading a national team in such a prestigious tournament.
When he takes the field on Sunday, Argentina star Lionel Messi will make history as the oldest field player to appear in a World Cup final. At 39 years old, Messi will surpass the previous record held by Sweden's Gunnar Gren, who was 37 when he played against Brazil in the 1958 final. This milestone not only highlights Messi's longevity in the sport but also his remarkable ability to maintain peak performance levels well into his late 30s.
The only player older than Messi to play in a final was Italy goalkeeper Dino Zoff, who was 40 when his club defeated West Germany for the 1982 crown. However, among field players, Messi will stand alone as the oldest after Sunday, reflecting the physical demands and challenges of competing at such a high level as one ages.
Additionally, Messi is in a position to join Brazil's Cafu as the only person to play in three World Cup men's finals. Notably, since Cafu was a reserve in one of his appearances, Messi would be the first player to start in the title game on three occasions. This potential achievement further cements Messi's legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time, as he continues to break records and set new standards for excellence.
For Spain, the narrative is one of youth and experience. Spain is slated to feature two teenagersâLamine Yamal and Pau CubarsĂâboth 19 years old, in their lineup against Argentina in the World Cup final. Historically, no team has ever had more than one teenager in the lineup and won the title, making Spain's selection a notable gamble that could either pay off or backfire. This infusion of youth into the squad represents a strategic decision to blend fresh talent with seasoned players in pursuit of glory.
On the flip side, if Spain emerges victorious, coach Luis de la Fuenteâat 65 years oldâwould become the oldest World Cup-winning sideline boss, surpassing Vicente del Bosque, who was 59 when Spain won its first title in 2010. De la Fuente's leadership and experience may prove invaluable as he navigates the pressures of the final, guiding his young players through the challenges they may face on the field.
For the record, teenagers enter Sunday unbeaten in World Cup finals. According to FIFA, only three teenagers have ever played in soccer's biggest game: Pele, who was 17 when he helped Brazil win the final over Sweden in 1958; Giuseppe Bergomi, who was 18 when Italy defeated West Germany in 1982; and Kylian Mbappe, who was 19 when France triumphed over Croatia in 2018. Spain's reliance on youth could be a double-edged sword, as they look to harness the energy and enthusiasm of their younger players while relying on the strategic acumen of their more experienced counterparts.
Spain enters the final with an impressive 28-0-9 record in its last 37 matches, tying Italy for the longest unbeaten run by a European men's national team. Italy achieved a similar feat from October 2018 through September 2021 before losing to Spain 2-1 on October 6, 2021, in Milan. This remarkable streak speaks to Spain's consistency and resilience, as they have managed to remain competitive against some of the best teams in the world.
Argentina also boasts a noteworthy streak, having won seven consecutive World Cup matches. This achievement ties them with Italy for the second-longest winning run in men's tournament history. Only Brazil, which won 11 straight matches spanning from 2002 to 2006, holds a longer winning streak. Both teams come into the final with momentum on their side, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter.
The upcoming match marks just the second head-to-head meeting in a World Cup between Argentina and Spain. Argentina won their first encounter 2-1 in the 1966 group stage, establishing an early advantage in their historical rivalry. Across all competitions and friendlies, the two sides have faced each other 14 times, with each team winning six matches and the remaining two ending in draws. This balanced record adds an extra layer of intrigue to the final, as both teams have demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level.
As the world tunes in to watch this historic showdown, the implications of the match extend beyond just the trophy. The outcome will shape the legacies of players and coaches alike, potentially altering the trajectory of national football programs. With a rich history and passionate fanbases backing them, Argentina and Spain are set to deliver a final that could be remembered for generations to come.
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