Let’s face it, sports are emotional. That could not be more true than right now, especially if you are an Argentina fan, a Spain fan, a Messi fan, or a Lamine Yamal fan as we approach kickoff of what will be the most successful FIFA World Cup in history.
We understand if you are a diehard fan or from one of these countries and there is no way you would ever go against your country, team, or player. But there are also many of us who are either fair-weather fans or just along for the incredible ride that this tournament’s passion and high-level performances have shown us.
Now, we are faced with picking a winner or finding that ultimate inside scoop that can help inform the decision.
Spain and Argentina Set Up a Dream Final
This is going to be a thriller of a match with talent all over the pitch. Even the teams and players who have already been knocked out of the competition will be glued to the TV watching.
There has been plenty of controversy throughout this World Cup, and much of it, unfortunately for Messi, has surrounded Argentina and what social media has been calling “FIFA calls.” Social media has been going off for the past month with story after story, many of them going viral.
But nothing has gone as viral as Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha. He went from 50,000 followers to more than 15 million, even though many people still could not point to Cabo Verde on a map.
Here at BTA Sports, we have sifted through the noise and the hype, setting our focus on the facts that should be informative to every fan.
Messi and Yamal Give This Final a Generational Storyline
The Final features two very prominent players: Lionel Messi for his remarkable talents and success, and Lamine Yamal for his remarkable talents and projected success.
Or is it already more than projected success?
In comparison, both Yamal and Messi started their professional careers with FC Barcelona. Both were teenagers, and both started out wearing No. 19. A key difference is that Messi was 17, while Yamal was only 15.
Lamine Yamal has never lost a competitive match when starting for the Spain national team. Across more than 25 official starts, he holds an unbeaten record with multiple wins and draws.
Messi made his Argentina national team debut on August 17, 2005. His first 25 career starts for his country included 14 wins, seven draws, four losses, and 12 goals. It was only Messi’s sixth start when Argentina was defeated 3-2 in an international friendly against Croatia, and Yamal had not even been born yet.
Yamal’s Early Rise Mirrors Messi’s Barcelona Beginning
At just 16 years and 57 days old, Lamine Yamal scored his first goal for Spain. That strike made him both the youngest debutant and youngest goalscorer in the history of the Spanish national team.
Yamal also scored his first official goal for FC Barcelona at 16 years old, making him both Barcelona’s and La Liga’s youngest-ever goalscorer.
Messi was 18 years old when he scored his first goal for Argentina in a 7-1 rout of Peru, coming off the bench to capitalize on a defensive miscue late in the match.
Messi scored his first official goal for FC Barcelona against Albacete at Camp Nou. At just 17 years, 10 months, and seven days old, he came on as a substitute in the 88th minute and chipped the ball over the goalkeeper following an assist from Ronaldinho.
It is fair to say that Lamine Yamal has remarkable talent and has already had major success despite being only 19 years old. Comparing him to the great Messi at a young age is no longer just hype.
But what matters now is the present.
Spain’s Defense Faces Messi’s Final Push
Messi enters the game having scored eight goals, including two penalties, while Yamal has scored only one.
Perhaps all the attention for Argentina is going to Messi, while all the attention for Spain is going to Spain as a complete team.
Spain achieved a historic defensive record by keeping clean sheets in six of its seven tournament matches. Spain has dominated play in every game and ripped the heart out of mighty France in the semifinals.
Spain is a complete team that prides itself on world-class skill, collective movement, and a beautiful style of play.
This is no gimme for Argentina. Sure, it is incredible that Messi and Argentina have reached another World Cup Final and now have a chance to win back-to-back World Cups, but they are going to be tested to the limit.
There will be highs and lows, momentum changes, and, of course, drama.
Final Thoughts
If there is one specific piece of advice, take it straight from the GOAT’s mouth himself.
Lionel Messi praised Spain as a “tremendous team” with outstanding players and a distinctive football philosophy. He also specifically addressed Spanish teenager Lamine Yamal as a “huge talent” and a “benchmark player” at just 19 years old.
We can only hope that with Argentina’s commitment to doing everything in its power to win, this historic FIFA World Cup Final will give the beautiful game the stage it deserves.
