Lionel Messi’s Argentina made three changes to their starting line-up for the World Cup final against Spain, starting at 5am AEST, as the holders attempt to become the first team since 1962 to retain the trophy.
Gonzalo Montiel, who scored the winning penalty in the shootout in the 2022 final win against France, comes in at right-back in place of Nahuel Molina for Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina.Tszyu v Spence Jr. | Sunday July 26 from 11am AEST | Tim Tszyu takes on the biggest name in his career so far – future hall-of-famer Errol Spence Jr, in a can’t miss event for boxing fans around the world. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
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The other changes see Rodrigo De Paul return in midfield, where Nico Gonzalez also starts, with Leandro Paredes and Giuliano Simeone making way.
Argentina reached the final by defeating England 2-1 in Thursday morning’s semi-final in Atlanta following a dramatic late comeback.
Messi, 39, is appearing in his third World Cup final and starts the day on eight goals at the tournament, two behind France’s Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.
The Argentina skipper has scored 21 goals overall at World Cups, one behind Mbappe’s record of 22.
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Spain coach Luis de la Fuente named the same line-up that started the 2-0 semi-final victory against France.
Lamine Yamal, who can become the third-youngest player ever to win a World Cup, just six days after his 19th birthday, starts on the right wing for the defending European champions.
Spain are aiming to win a second World Cup after their previous triumph in 2010. If Argentina win it will be their fourth title, which would put them level with Germany and Italy and one behind record five-time champions Brazil.
They must snap a curse of sorts to do so, however, with the last three reigning champions to make the final falling at the last hurdle, including France four years ago when Argentina triumphed on penalties.
Spain & Argentina prepare for WC final | 04:58
Starting line-ups
Spain: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri (capt), Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal Coach: Luis de la Fuente (ESP)
Argentina: Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Nico Gonzalez; Enzo Fernandez; Lionel Messi (capt), Julian Alvarez Coach: Lionel Scaloni (ARG)
Referee: Slavko Vincic (SLO)