Sunday, July 19
•Spain Vs Argentina , 10pm
Don’t miss a moment of the World Cup action, including the Halftime performance, because it’s all live on DStv and GOtv.
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Spain and Argentina will battle on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, for the greatest prize ever in Sports – THE FIFA WORLD CUP TROPHY.
This, is a final that pits reigning champions Argentina against the European champions Spain who are chasing their first world crown since 2010.
The showdown is headlined by Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who could be making his final World Cup appearance at the age of 39, and Spain teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, whose performances have lit up the tournament.
This week, a viral photo of Lionel Messi and Young Yamal has gone viral gone, and whether it’s time the 39-year old hands over baton to Yamal, will be one of the answers at MetLife.
In the photo, a smiling Messi is cradling and bathing a tiny baby boy who would inexplicably follow so closely in his footballing footsteps.
That photo was taken back in 2007 when Yamal’s parents won a charity photoshoot at Barcelona, Spain in which a then 20-year-old Messi held their five-month-old baby.
Argentina are aiming to become only the third nation to successfully defend the World Cup, after Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962).
Spain, meanwhile, have impressed with their possession-based football and defensive solidity, conceding just one goal while keeping six clean sheets on their way to the final.
La Roja topped Group H before eliminating Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France to reach the title decider.
Argentina finished top of Group J and overcame Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland and England in the knockout rounds, with three of their four knockout victories coming after extra time or dramatic late comebacks.
At the semifinals, Argentina were on the brink of elimination before Messi inspired a comeback with five minutes on the clock, setting up goals for Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martinez to send the side to the much anticipated final.
Spain captain Rodri believes his side must produce another outstanding display to overcome the defending champions.
“They are the champions, and we have to raise our level,” Rodri is quoted.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni hailed Messi’s influence ahead of what could be the veteran forward’s final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
“He has made history. He is a legend. We should enjoy having him because players like him don’t come around often,” Scaloni said.
After Kylian Mbappe scored a brace in defeat against England in a third-place match, Messi has to respond otherwise the golden boot and the most goals in the history of the World Cup record, are gone.
But above all, the title matters most – because it’s the FIFA WORLD CUP TROPHY.
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