The 2026 World Cup final is set, folks, and Argentina is gearing up to defend its title against Spain. But listen up: the craziest part? The real X-factor, Lionel Messi, hasn't even scored since their round-of-16 win over Egypt, and it absolutely does not matter. The guy is still single-handedly setting up game-winning goals, hauling Argentina into a second consecutive final.
Messi's Invisible Hand Just Led Argentina To Another Final
Seriously, this is next-level stuff. Messi might not be banging in goals, but he’s been the architect of so many clutch moments, including a pair of assists against England in the semifinals. FOX Sports’ Stu Holden saw it plain as day, saying in the 60th or 65th minute, "'Uh oh, look out, England,' [Messi is] was just camping out on the right side of the field." Holden added, "There was never even a thought in Messi or Argentina’s mind that that game was done. It was never going to be Messi’s last game." This isn't just one lucky game either, Argentina has racked up four consecutive game-winners in stoppage time and extra time on their way to the final, including a 3-2 thriller over Cape Verde in the round of 32 and a ridiculous round of 16 comeback where they scored three goals in the final 11 minutes after being down 2-0. What even is this team?England's Defensive Blunder Was A Lesson For The World
England thought they had it in the bag after their first goal in the 55th minute, but then they made the fatal mistake of playing defensive. Argentina, the defending champions with Messi lurking, absolutely stomped on that strategy. Holden nailed it, calling England coach Thomas Tuchel "naive" for thinking a back five and a "park the bus" approach would ever work. "If Argentina sees that your back door is open a little bit, they’re going to kick that door down, and they are in, and that’s what they did," Holden explained. That defensive style might have worked for England against Mexico and Norway, but against the World Cup’s leading goalscorer and assist leader? Nah. Argentina took full advantage and netted two goals in the 85th minute and stoppage time to seal the win.Spain's Tough Defense Will Face The Ultimate Test
Now Argentina is staring down a chance to make history, potentially becoming only the third team ever to win back-to-back World Cup titles, joining Brazil (1958 and 1962) and Italy (1934 and 1938). But first, they have to get past Spain, a squad that has conceded only one goal this entire tournament. They’ve got a star-studded lineup with Marc Cucurella, Lamine Yamal, and Mikel Oyarzabal. How do you break through that? You guessed it: Messi. Holden put it best: "He’s crossing the ball to the back post, or he’s beating you on the inside. It’s just so hard to defend." He’s the ultimate X-factor, and when players like that decide to turn it on, "you don’t have a chance." Get ready, folks, because the final is going to be absolutely wild.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.