Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has made three changes to his starting XI for Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain, as the defending champions chase a fourth world title.
Rodrigo De Paul, Nico González and Gonzalo Montiel return to the starting lineup, replacing Giuliano Simeone, Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina, who all featured from the start in Argentina’s 2-1 semifinal victory over England.
The biggest milestone of the night belongs to Lionel Messi, who becomes the first player in football history to start three FIFA World Cup finals.
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Messi captains an experienced Argentina side, with nine of the 11 starters also having featured in the memorable 2022 World Cup final triumph over France. The only changes from that title-winning side are Montiel replacing Molina and Nico González taking the place of retired winger Ángel Di María.
Montiel, who famously converted the decisive penalty against France in Qatar, returns to the lineup hoping to help Argentina retain the trophy.
Argentina reached the final after defeating England in the semifinals, courtesy of goals from Lautaro Martínez and Enzo Fernández. Along the way, they eliminated Switzerland in the quarterfinals, Egypt in the Round of 16 and Cabo Verde in the Round of 32.
Spain, meanwhile, remain unchanged.
Coach Luis de la Fuente has kept faith with the same starting XI that defeated France 2-0 in the semifinals, with Fabián Ruiz continuing in midfield ahead of the injured Pedri.
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The final also sets up one of the tournament’s biggest attractions as 39-year-old Lionel Messi faces 19-year-old Lamine Yamal for the first time at senior international level in a symbolic battle between football’s greatest icon and its brightest young star.
It is also the first World Cup final featuring the reigning champions of South America (Argentina) and Europe (Spain) since 1966.
Spain are chasing only their second World Cup title, having won their first in 2010, while Argentina are seeking a record-extending fourth crown after lifting the trophy in 1978, 1986 and 2022.
