Expected lineup for Spain and Argentina: Messi faces Yamal

This is a showdown between the team with the strongest defense in the tournament and the reigning champions, who have shown remarkable composure in knockout games. After a 2-0 victory over France in the semifinals, Spain enters the final with great confidence. Meanwhile, Argentina just came from behind to beat England 2-1, thanks to Lionel Messi's outstanding performance, keeping their hopes of successfully defending the world title alive.

Spain is nearly at full strength

Coach Luis de la Fuente received good news as both Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro have returned to training after physical issues in the semifinal. Although the two players trained separately in one session to reduce workload, the Spanish Football Federation confirmed this is only a precautionary measure, and both are likely fit to start in the final.

According to European media predictions, Spain will continue with their familiar 4-3-3 formation. Unai Simon will guard the goal behind the back four of Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, and Marc Cucurella. The midfield remains the trio of Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Olmo, while Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena support striker Mikel Oyarzabal up front.

Outstanding ball control and the creativity of Rodri and Ruiz will continue to be key factors for La Roja as they aim for a second world championship in history.

Argentina puts faith in Messi

Argentina enters the final in high spirits after their comeback against England. Lionel Messi once again proved his class by providing assists for both goals in the semifinal, while Julian Alvarez remains highly valued by coach Lionel Scaloni for his movement and ability to pressure the opponent's defense.

Lionel Scaloni is likely to maintain the 4-4-2 diamond formation or a flexible 4-3-1-2 variant. Emiliano Martinez continues as the starter. The defense includes Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Nicolas Tagliafico. The midfield consists of Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Leandro Paredes, while Messi will play freely behind Julian Alvarez. Lautaro Martinez, despite scoring the decisive goal in the semifinal, is likely to remain a strategic option from the bench.

The clash between the creative duo of Rodri and Olmo and the energetic midfield of Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister is seen as a key battleground that will determine the match's outcome. While Spain aims to impose their game through ball control, Argentina possesses experience, composure, and the game-changing ability of Lionel Messi in decisive moments.

Expected lineups for Spain and Argentina

Spain (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Alex Baena.

Argentina (4-3-1-2): Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister; Leandro Paredes; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.