A Lesson for Modern Football: The Team Above All

The four best teams in the world battled it out in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, proving that new formats and compelling narratives can still lead to a predictable – yet thoroughly enjoyable – conclusion.

Along the way, some superstars, the kind who sell more tickets than entire nations, were eliminated. This might be a blow to FIFA's coffers and to younger generations who consume more content from individual figures than they support entire teams from start to finish. However, it offers a certain comfort to those who still find beauty in a goalless first half, complete with historical and political rivalries, to know that the most finely tuned ensembles still play the best football.

And this doesn't mean, of course, that Spain and Argentina will contest Sunday's final without some of the world's biggest stars, nor that these stars weren't crucial in getting both teams this far. But Rodri, for instance, has been more decisive than Yamal in Spain's collective play so far. This might be confusing for those who compare their Instagram follower counts (spoiler alert: Rodri isn't on social media), but it's quite satisfying, even for those who greatly admire young Lamine, to see that midfielders still dictate the Spanish style of play, capable of subduing such a powerful French side.

And Messi, well, words simply fail to describe Messi. He provided two more assists for the comeback against England and made countless other decisions and actions that are hard to explain to those unwilling (or unable) to see. Argentina's reliance on their star is openly and unashamedly acknowledged, but yesterday, Scaloni's team wasn't just Messi. It was immense spirit, fierce determination, countless stretched legs in every midfield duel, but also the intelligence to seize control of the game when the English thought it was won. It was a team, playing arguably their best game of this World Cup, and one that just happens to have the best player.

The European champions against the reigning world champions: Sunday's final promises immense quality, featuring two coaches who deserve great credit for their journey. There will undoubtedly be more heroes and villains to add to the many who are part of World Cup history. What's certain is that football at the highest level still provides the most solid foundation for fans who don't need a second screen to stay engaged: the team always comes before individuals. And what magnificent teams Spain and Argentina are, let's go!