Messi: Spain is a formidable team with great players, it will be a special match

Argentina's superstar, Lionel Messi, has weighed in on the upcoming 2026 World Cup final. Spain stands as the final hurdle for the "Albiceleste" in their quest for a second consecutive world title. Messi is intimately familiar with their opponents, having spent a significant portion of his career at Barcelona.

"They are a formidable team with fantastic players and a clear playing style. I know this team well. It's a footballing philosophy they've adhered to for many years, and I'm familiar with their players," he stated.

"I know the footballers. I've faced many of them on the pitch and continue to follow their careers. Some play for Barça – a club I will always love and keep an eye on," Leo remarked, acknowledging that "it will be a special and very evenly matched game."

This will mark Messi's third World Cup final appearance, including the 2014 final where Argentina lost to Germany in extra time. With this, he will equal Cafu as one of only two players to reach this stage three times.