Spain vs. Argentina Combined XI: Messi, Yamal Lead World Cup Final Team
Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, analysts have compiled a combined starting XI featuring top talent from both Spain and Argentina. The selection highlights the contrast between veteran stars like Lionel Messi and emerging talents like Lamine Yamal.
Why it matters
Combined XI lists are a staple of sports journalism that engage fans by sparking debate and highlighting individual player performance metrics.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup between Spain and Argentina might not feature the depth of star power that a France and England final would have, but make no mistake: the quality is there with the two finalists, as the two semifinal losers learned. That quality starts at the very top with Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi, two superstars separated by 20 years, but it doesn't end there. Here is our combined XI for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium: Spain has shown incredible defensive stability throughout this World Cup, and its goalkeeper Unai Simón has played a major role in that, conceding only one goal as Spain’s No. 1. But despite Simón conceding fewer goals than Emiliano Martínez, Martínez gets the nod because of his pedigree and big-game moments.
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