Argentina prepares for World Cup final against Spain, Messi says team will give its all
Argentina is set to face Spain in the World Cup final, with captain Lionel Messi stating the team will “give it our all.” The match is anticipated to be a clash of styles, pitting Spain’s process-driven approach against Argentina’s emotional and passionate play.
Messi made a public appearance in New York ahead of the final, joining other sports figures like Tom Brady, Novak Djokovic, and Kevin Durant at Fanatics Fest. During the event, Messi was asked about a viral photo featuring him and a young Lamine Yamal, to which he responded, “What a crazy picture.” Spain’s captain, Rodri, acknowledged Messi’s significance, calling him “the greatest of all times.”
Tactical Approaches for the Final
Spain’s style, characterised by patience and ball retention, has been a hallmark since Vicente del Bosque took over as manager in 2008. Coach Luis de la Fuente, who has worked with many of his players since their youth national teams, has revitalised this juego de posición model. Spain has maintained an average of 64% possession in the tournament, indicating their commitment to controlling the ball.
Argentina, under coach Lionel Scaloni, has consciously moved towards a more traditional Argentinian game, emphasising short passing and tactical and emotional bonds between players. Scaloni, like De la Fuente, also transitioned to the senior national team after coaching the Under-21 squad, suggesting a deep understanding of his players and the system.
According to Argentina’s analyst Matías Manna, midfielder Leandro Paredes is a crucial presence in the team. Manna highlighted Paredes’ ability to win the ball and defend effectively, as well as his role in connecting with inside players and finding Messi between the lines. The focus for Argentina is on togetherness and a common purpose, particularly in supporting Messi’s quest for a second World Cup title.
A key tactical consideration for Argentina will be to disrupt Spain’s midfield rhythm. This could involve players like Alexis Mac Allister or Enzo Fernández man-marking Rodri, who is seen as the “metronome” of the Spanish midfield. Argentina’s vulnerability to pace was exposed by Cape Verde and Egypt earlier in the tournament, though Spain’s current squad has faced injury limitations in wide forward areas.
Nico Williams, a significant force in previous Euros, has been limited to substitute appearances due to injury, while Álex Baena has been filling in on the flank despite being a central creator without significant natural pace. Lamine Yamal, who entered the tournament with a hamstring issue, has been improving but has not yet reached his peak form.
Argentina’s Path to the Final and Messi’s Drive
Argentina’s journey to the final has involved several challenging matches. They had to come from behind to defeat England in the semi-finals and Egypt in the Round of 16. They also went into extra time against Cape Verde in the Round of 32 and Switzerland in the quarter-finals. Despite these hurdles, Messi affirmed, “We never stop fighting.”
The final is seen as a classic encounter between a team built on a defined process and a side driven by emotional momentum. While passion carries risks, Argentina is described as a self-aware team capable of directing their drive. The longer the game remains goalless, the greater the likelihood of Argentina fulfilling what is described as Messi’s “manifest destiny.”
Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, expressed the team’s dedication: “We’ve got a group of players and a group of coaches that are working incredibly hard every single day to try to bring happiness to my country.” He added that the team, with Messi, will give their best to bring the World Cup back to Argentina. No team has won back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
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Source: theguardian.com
