Spain
Mikel Oyarzabal
Two years after scoring Spain’s winner in the Euro 2024 final, Oyarzabal has again delivered on the biggest stage. The Real Sociedad forward leads La Roja with five goals at this World Cup, including the opening penalty against France. His intelligent movement has allowed Spain to play without a traditional striker while still carrying a reliable threat inside the area.
Marc Cucurella
Cucurella was one of Spain’s surprise stars at Euro 2024, supplying the cross for Oyarzabal’s winner in the final. He has carried that form into the World Cup, adding two assists while bringing energy and defensive security down the left. His biggest task now arrives against Messi, who regularly moves towards the same side of the pitch.
Rodri
Rodri returned from a serious knee injury to become the heartbeat of Spain’s midfield again. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has completed 648 passes at the tournament, setting the rhythm and protecting the defence. His composed performance against France helped Spain dominate long periods of the semi-final. Keeping Messi away from dangerous central areas will be his defining responsibility on Sunday.
Lamine Yamal
Yamal entered the tournament carrying a hamstring problem but has grown more dangerous with every round. The Barcelona winger, who turned 19 before the semi-final, has completed a tournament-leading 30 dribbles. His fearless run earned the penalty against France and underlined his ability to create something from very little. Argentina will struggle to leave him isolated against one defender.
Unai Simon
Simon has been the final barrier behind a Spanish defence that has conceded only once. The Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper kept six clean sheets and broke the World Cup record for consecutive minutes without conceding. He has faced limited pressure at times, but his concentration and distribution have remained crucial. Argentina’s tournament-leading attack will provide his greatest examination.
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Argentina
Lionel Messi
At 39, Messi has produced one of the finest tournaments of his international career. Argentina’s captain has scored eight goals and supplied four assists, contributing in every match on their road to the final. His two late assists against England transformed the semi-final and captured his enduring influence. He now enters his third World Cup final chasing a second successive title.
Enzo Fernandez
Fernandez emerged as the best young player at the 2022 World Cup and now carries far greater responsibility in Argentina’s midfield. His passing helps connect the deeper players with Messi, while his shooting provides another threat. His long-range equaliser against England revived Argentina’s title defence and created the momentum that eventually carried them into the final.
Cristian Romero
Romero has been central to Argentina’s success since becoming a regular under Lionel Scaloni. The Tottenham defender brings aggression, anticipation and a willingness to challenge attackers early. He also made an important attacking contribution by scoring the first goal in Argentina’s comeback against Egypt. Against Spain, his battle with the clever and mobile Oyarzabal could be decisive.
Lautaro Martinez
Lautaro has built a reputation as Argentina’s man for the biggest moments. He scored the extra-time winner in the 2024 Copa America final and repeated the trick with a 92nd-minute header against England. The Inter Milan captain may begin the World Cup final on the bench, but his sharp movement and finishing make him Argentina’s most dangerous late option.
Emiliano Martinez
Martinez entered the World Cup after breaking a finger only weeks before the tournament. Despite an uneven group stage, he recovered to make important saves against Cape Verde and Switzerland. His defining reputation was solidified during Argentina’s 2022 triumph, particularly in the final and penalty shootouts. If Sunday’s match goes beyond extra time, his presence could provide Argentina with a major psychological advantage.
Photo: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
