Argentina on the brink of a unique World Cup record, while Spain stand between Lionel Messi and back-to-back titles

Argentina head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain with history within reach as Lionel Scaloni’s side are one goal away from setting a new tournament record for attacks from outside the penalty area.The defending champions have already scored five goals from away goals, equaling the most by any team in a single FIFA World Cup. Lionel Messi contributed two of those long-range efforts, while Giovani Lo Celso, Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez each have one. Messi also surpassed Brazilian great Rivelli to become the player with the most World Cup goals scored from outside the penalty area.Now Argentina have the chance to claim that record outright when they take on UEFA Euro 2024 champions Spain in Sunday’s final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.Argentina booked their place in the title race with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semi-finals. After trailing at the break, Enzo Fernandez restored parity before Lautaro Martinez hit a stoppage-time winner to send the reigning champions into their second consecutive World Cup final.Spain, meanwhile, reached their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010 with an even 2-0 win over France. Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty won by Lamine Yamal before Pedro Porro sealed the result after the break as Spain’s disciplined defense recorded a sixth clean sheet in seven games.Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expects an entertaining showdown and described the final as an “exciting match” between two teams that share a similar philosophy built around quality, talent and attacking football.Scaloni echoed that respect, insisting Argentina must produce their “best version” to retain the title. The Argentina boss also praised Messi’s remarkable longevity, saying the 39-year-old’s journey to another World Cup final adds another extraordinary chapter to the legacy of one of football’s greatest ever players.With a trophy and a unique World Cup record on the line, Argentina have every reason to believe that history could be rewritten.