Messi leads Argentina in epic World Cup final showdown
Spain's La Roja meets Argentinian steel in a historic World Cup final this Sunday as the reigning champions of Europe and South America battle for football's ultimate prize.
Holders Argentina are bidding to become the first team in 64 years to successfully defend the title, in what is almost certainly the final World Cup match of captain Lionel Messi's career.
Spain are aiming to thwart those ambitions by clinching the country's second World Cup crown following their maiden victory back in 2010.
At the centre of the drama will be Argentina's Messi, the 39-year-old genius regarded by many as the greatest football player in history. The veteran superstar will become only the second man ever to play in three World Cup finals, matching the achievement of Brazilian great Cafu.
Repeated Escape
More significantly, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has repeatedly rescued Argentina at moments when they appeared headed for the exit.
Messi was the driving force of an incredible comeback victory over Egypt in the last 16, when the South Americans trailed 2-0 with 11 minutes to go before eventually winning 3-2.
He then provided two assists in a dramatic come-from-behind 2-1 defeat of England in Wednesday's semi-final in Atlanta.
That victory embodied Argentina's dogged, never-say-die approach, a rugged resilience forged under head coach Lionel Scaloni.
Scaloni, who has led Argentina to back-to-back Copa America wins either side of a 2022 World Cup triumph, attributes his team's success to fearlessness.
"This group is difficult to explain," he said. "It is a show of the collectiveness, the brotherhood that we are in, the willingness to fight to the very end.
"I know the guys. They fear nothing."
Argentina's astonishing fortitude is likely to face its most searching examination of the tournament in Sunday's blockbuster.
