After beating England and reaching the 2026 World Cup final, several Argentina players celebrated with a banner asserting sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands. The scene prompted a harsh British front page and moved the rivalry beyond the pitch.
In 2007, Lionel Messi took part in a Barcelona charity shoot and was photographed with baby Lamine Yamal. Nineteen years later, that image connects the leading figures of Argentina and Spain before the 2026 World Cup final.
Argentina trailed after Anthony Gordon’s goal, but Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th minute from Lionel Messi’s assist and Lautaro Martínez scored the 2-1 winner in stoppage time. The champions will face Spain for the title.
Spain won 2-0 in Dallas through goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, from the penalty spot, and Pedro Porro. Luis de la Fuente’s side will play for the 2026 World Cup title against the winner of Argentina versus England.