Argentina vs Spain: Tactics, stars and off-pitch backlash • FRANCE 24 English

The 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its climax as Spain take on Argentina in a highly anticipated final. The match pits the defending champions against one of football's rising powers, with Lionel Messi's enduring legacy meeting the emergence of Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal Beyond the action on the pitch, the tournament has also sparked debate over its growing American influence, from soaring ticket prices and extended half-time entertainment to hydration breaks and the prominent role played by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump. What can fans expect from the final? Which tactical battle could decide the outcome? And what does this World Cup say about the future of football? Yinka Oyetade is joined by Eduardo Tansley, sports journalist at the Athletic, and France 24's International Affairs Editor Kethevane Gorjestani, discuss the Messi-Yamal relation and examine the controversies surrounding the tournament. #Messi #Yamal Lamine #FIFA 🔔 Subscribe to France 24 now: https://f24.my/YTen 🔴 LIVE - Watch FRANCE 24 English 24/7 here: https://f24.my/YTliveEN 🌍 Read the latest International News and Top Stories: https://www.france24.com/en/ Like us on Facebook: https://f24.my/FBen Follow us on X: https://f24.my/Xen Bluesky: https://f24.my/BSen and Threads: https://f24.my/THen Browse the news in pictures on Instagram: https://f24.my/IGen Discover our TikTok videos: https://f24.my/TKen Get the latest top stories on Telegram: https://f24.my/TGen