World Cup Final: Yamal Starts For Spain, Messi Leads Argentina

 

Spain have been handed a major boost ahead of tonight’s FIFA World Cup final against Argentina, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal declared fit to start despite recent injury concerns.

The Barcelona star took a heavy knock during Spain’s semi-final victory over France, prompting fears over his availability after he missed training in the build-up to the final. However, Yamal has recovered in time and will feature from the start as Spain seek to dethrone defending champions Argentina and win their second World Cup title, their first since 2010.

Tottenham Hotspur right-back Pedro Porro, who also missed training due to muscle tightness, has likewise been passed fit and retains his place in Luis de la Fuente’s starting XI.

Spain head into the showdown at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, with an otherwise clean bill of health. De la Fuente has largely stuck with the side that impressed throughout the tournament, keeping faith with Unai Simon in goal ahead of David Raya and Joan Garcia.

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Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte continue their partnership in central defence, flanked by Porro and Marc Cucurella. In midfield, Fabian Ruiz once again gets the nod alongside Rodri, while Dani Olmo and Alex Baena join Yamal in support of lone striker Mikel Oyarzabal.

Meanwhile, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has also named a strong side as the Albiceleste bid to become only the third nation to successfully defend a World Cup title.

The South Americans have reported no fresh injury concerns following their dramatic semi-final comeback victory over England.

Emiliano Martinez remains the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, with Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez continuing as the preferred centre-back pairing. Gonzalo Montiel has earned a starting berth at right-back after an impressive substitute appearance against England, replacing Nahuel Molina, while Nicolas Tagliafico continues at left-back.

In midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister are joined by Rodrigo De Paul and Nico Gonzalez, providing support for the attacking duo of Julian Alvarez and captain Lionel Messi.

All eyes will once again be on Messi, who inspired Argentina’s stunning fightback against England and now stands on the verge of securing a second consecutive World Cup title in what could be the crowning moment of his illustrious international career.

The final kicks off at 8pm WAT at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey

Confirmed Line-Ups

Spain
Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.

Argentina
Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Nico Gonzalez, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister; Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi.

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