Messi, Argentina chase World Cup repeat crown against Spain | Fulton Sun

Lionel Messi and Argentina will try to become the first men’s team to defend a World Cup title since 1962 when they face Spain in Sunday’s final. The match is scheduled for this afternoon in East Rutherford, New Jersey, after Argentina’s semifinal run that featured two comebacks and two extra-time matches. Argentina advanced with a 2-1 win over England on Wednesday, with goals by Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez and late contributions associated with Messi, who finished the tournament weekend tied with France’s Kylian Mbappé on eight goals. Spain arrives as defending European champions and three-time UEFA Nations League finalists, with Lamine Yamal highlighted as a key part of the next generation. Argentina’s manager Lionel Scaloni said the emotional intensity and unity shown by supporters across the United States have been central to coping with the pressure that followed their 36-year drought-ending victory in Qatar.