Former Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has explained why Spain have the advantage over Lionel Messi and Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The Polish forward feels that the 2022 win could make the task easier for Luis de la Fuente’s side, as the opponents are not hungry enough.
Argentina and Spain are set to battle for the biggest prize in international football at the New York New Jersey Stadium, with Messi looking to guide his nation to back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles. Ahead of the encounter, Lewandowski waxed lyrical while speaking about the 39-year-old’s enduring brilliance.
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“What Messi brings is incredible at this age. The Argentine national team plays for him, and that gives Leo the opportunity to deliver his best matches; he is an incredible player.” (via ActualiteBarca)
The former Barcelona striker went on to explain that Argentina’s recent success in the 2022 World Cup could affect their hunger and give Spain a slight psychological advantage when they meet on the pitch.
“Furthermore, it’s another final in his career, and having already won the World Cup, that could make the task a little easier for Spain.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been another playground for Lionel Messi. The Argentine has been the brightest player in the competition so far, bagging an impressive eight goals and four assists in seven appearances. He’s also picked up five Man Of The Match awards.
Argentina versus Spain: Lionel Messi-Lamine Yamal and other key battles that could decide the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The clash between Spain and Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final is a dream come true for many fans. Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are getting most of the attention as fans relish watching one of the most remarkable plots in football history unfold.
However, beyond the honeymoon tale is a couple of under-the-radar battles that could decide the outcome of the game. One of these is the tactical duel between Lionel Scaloni and Luis de la Fuente. Will the Spanish boss be able to impose his fluid system on the Albiceleste, or could Scaloni’s iron men in the centre manage to break the flow?
Marc Cucurella is up against an unstoppable Lionel Messi, while Nicolas Tagliafico needs to be at his best to handle the threat from Yamal. Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte have been on an impressive run, while Lisandro Martinez and Cuti Romero are still searching for their second clean sheet.
Edited by Sripad