Argentina vs Spain World Cup Final Combined Lineup

Many criticised Luis de la Fuente’s decision to play Unai Simon over Arsenal’s David Raya at the World Cup, but he has been completely vindicated thus far. All in all, Simon has only let in a single goal in seven matches.

RB: Pedro Porro

A revelation down the right flank, Pedro Porro looks like a completely different player compared to his middling outings for Tottenham Hotspur last season. Most notably, he scored the second goal in Spain’s 2-0 win over France.

CB: Aymeric Laporte

Former Manchester City man Aymeric Laporte is nearing the end of his career, but managed to put in one last herculean performance at the World Cup. For our money, he has been the best defender at the tournament by a hefty margin.

CB: Lisandro Martinez

This might be controversial, given the number of goals that Argentina have shipped, but Lisandro Martinez has been a frightening defender for anyone to come up against at the World Cup. A master of the dark arts, he knows exactly how to leave a foot in and get away with it.

LB: Marc Cucurella

Marc Cucurella has come a long way since his first lacklustre season at Chelsea. He is probably the best left-back in the world now, being able to drift centrally and control the flanks with equal measurements of brilliance.

CM: Rodri

Rodri had a couple of years off the pace after winning the treble with Manchester City in 2023, but he is most certainly back to his best now. An touchable midfielder, his intelligence on the pitch is peerless.

CM: Alexis Mac Allister

The energetic Alexis Mac Allister has been a strong creative outlet and a useful defensive force throughout the competition for Argentina. While not always at the forefront of the action, he has been vital in providing stamina to an aging outfit.

RW: Lionel Messi

Who else? The best player at the 2026 World Cup and the best player of all time, Lionel Messi has scored eight goals and has racked up four assists at the tournament so far – not much more needs to be said.

AM: Enzo Fernandez

Enzo Fernandez’s tournament began quietly, but he has burst into life during the last couple of games. In particular, he scored a brilliant goal for Argentina’s equaliser against England.

LW: Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal might be the best young player in the world, but he hasn’t been at his best in the World Cup. Nevertheless, his contributions are still more than enough to earn him a spot in this XI.

ST: Mikel Oyarzabal

Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez might both be better players than Mikel Oyarzabal, but neither of them can match his tally of five goals and one assist at the World Cup.