New York hosts World Cup final preview with Messi and other sports legends
Anticipation builds for the final
The upcoming World Cup final between Argentina and Spain is generating considerable excitement, with both teams preparing for the decisive match. The final is scheduled to take place in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Argentina, the defending champions, have maintained an unbeaten record throughout the tournament, while Spain enters the final after drawing their opening match against Cape Verde.
The journey to the final has presented challenges for Argentina. They had to overcome a 1-0 deficit in the second half to defeat England in the semi-finals. Earlier in the tournament, they rallied from a 2-0 second-half deficit against Egypt in the Round of 16. Additionally, Argentina was taken to extra time in matches against Cape Verde in the Round of 32 and Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
Lionel Messi, Argentina‘s captain, expressed the team’s determination, stating they “will give it our all.” This sentiment was echoed by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who remarked that the team’s focus is on the game itself, rather than the magnitude of it being a World Cup final. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez also highlighted the team’s commitment to bringing happiness to their country and celebrating with their people.
Star-studded preview event
A unique preview event for the World Cup final was held at Fanatics Fest in New York. This four-day sports celebration, which included autograph signings and celebrity appearances, served as the backdrop for the pre-final news conferences. The event provided an opportunity for hundreds of attendees to see Lionel Messi in a public setting.
The stage featured a lineup of prominent sports figures alongside Messi, including Tom Brady, Novak Djokovic, and Kevin Durant. These athletes, known for their achievements in their respective sports, took the opportunity to interact with Messi. Spain captain Rodri acknowledged Messi‘s stature, calling him “the greatest of all times.”
During the event, the traditional format of media asking questions was altered, with the sports stars themselves posing questions to the players and coaches. Tom Brady inquired about a viral photo of Messi with a young Lamine Yamal, to which Messi responded, “What a crazy picture.” Novak Djokovic asked Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni about managing pressure, and then posed a similar question to Messi. Djokovic concluded his interaction with Messi by saying, “Gracias, Leo.”
Djokovic also questioned Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and captain Rodri about maintaining composure in critical moments. Kevin Durant later asked Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez about the significance of potentially winning consecutive World Cups. The players and coaches from both sides appeared to enjoy the unconventional nature of the preview event, which was described as a spectacle in itself.
Tactical considerations for the final
The final is anticipated to be a clash of distinct playing styles. Spain is known for its defined style, emphasizing ball retention and a methodical approach, a philosophy that has been evident since Vicente del Bosque took over as manager in 2008. This approach, known as juego de posición, has been reinvigorated under Luis de la Fuente, who has a long history within the federation’s system, having known many players since their youth national team days.
In contrast, Argentina under Lionel Scaloni has consciously worked to re-establish a more traditional Argentinian game, characterized by shorter passing. This approach is less focused on physicality in terms of long passes or larger forwards, but the team is prepared to be physical in regaining possession. Analyst Matías Manna has identified Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes as a crucial presence, noting his ability to win the ball and defend effectively, as well as his role in connecting with inside players and finding Messi between the lines.
Manna emphasizes the importance of integration and the tactical and emotional bonds among players over strict formations. Argentina‘s strength is seen in their togetherness and shared purpose, particularly in their aim to secure a second World Cup for Lionel Messi. While Spain has moved away from the concept of la furia, Argentina has embraced a passionate approach, with Messi‘s capacity to influence matches through his skill and determination being a significant asset.
Argentina is expected to adopt a tactical setup similar to their match against England, potentially lining up in a 4-5-1 formation with Messi as a loose centre-forward and Julián Alvárez on the left. A key decision for Argentina will be whether to deploy Giuliano Simeone as an irritant on the right or to use Rodrigo De Paul, Messi‘s more familiar bodyguard. The strategy for Argentina will likely involve disrupting Spain‘s midfield rhythm, possibly through man-to-man marking on Rodri, who is considered the metronome of the Spain midfield.
Both Cape Verde and Egypt previously highlighted Argentina‘s vulnerability to pace. However, this is not a characteristic strength of Spain, whose wide forward options have been affected by injuries in the tournament. Nico Williams, a key player in the last Euros, has been limited to substitute appearances, and Álex Baena, a central creator, has been filling in on the flank. Lamine Yamal, who entered the tournament with a hamstring issue, has shown improving fitness but has not yet reached his peak form.
The final is seen as a classic encounter between a process-driven team and a side riding an emotional wave. While passion carries risks, Argentina is viewed as a self-aware team capable of directing their drive. The longer the game progresses without a goal, the more likely Argentina is to fulfill Messi‘s aspirations for another World Cup title. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni concluded the preview event by stating, “Sunday is going to be a great show.”
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Source: theguardian.com
