Argentina and Lionel Messi are one step away from back to back World Cup titles, Spain their final challenge in the 2026 final to be contested on Sunday.
Lionel Scaloni has largely relied on a trusted starting side with slight variations made to suit each opponent. He has often started with four central midfielders to suffocate the centre of the pitch.
Lionel Messi's inclusion in New Jersey is a no brainer, let's see if we can predict the rest of Argentina's starting side in the final.
Argentina's Predicted Line Up
Argentina (4-4-2): Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristián Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julián Alvarez
Emiliano Martínez has started all seven games and will continue in goal, behind Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez who have been the central defensive pairing in six matches.
Nahuel Molina and Nicolás Tagliafico have started in the full-back positions for the previous three games but neither player has gone the distance, Molina regularly replace by Gonzalo Montiel and Tagliafico often sacrificed for the attack minded Nico González.
Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández have played the most minutes in midfield followed by Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul. Giuliano Simeone started ahead of De Paul against England, but Scaloni could switch that scenario against Spain.
Lionel Messi is the first name on the teamsheet and his inclusion goes without saying. Julián Alvarez has been his preferred partner in attack but has scored only once, Lautaro Martínez more prolific with three goals.
Scaloni spoke about Messi in the pre-match press conference: “He’s pure history. History, a legend… I’m not sure what else to add. The fact those words were said to me is irrelevant – they were meant for everyone."
"It makes me so proud that the best footballer the world has ever seen thinks that – it’s just wonderful. To have reached a final the way he’s done at the age of 39, that’s quite the feat."
"That’s why I said we should enjoy it. We felt the absence of Diego [Maradona] long after he hung up his boots. Well, Messi’s still with us, and we have to cherish what he does."
Will Lionel Scaloni make any changes?
Giuliano Simeone started against England but Scaloni could bring Rodrigo De Paul back into the starting side here and combine with Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández ahead of Leandro Paredes.
Nahuel Molina and Nicolás Tagliafico have not been lighting it up in the knockout rounds but could continue in the full-back posiitons.
Lautaro Martínez will be thinking he has done enough to overtake Julián Alvarez for a starting spot next to Lionel Messi, but Alvarez's versatility could see him remain in the starting side.