Atlanta: Lionel Messi has admitted that his long association with Barcelona will help him understand Spain’s players ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, where Argentina will face the European giants in a battle for global supremacy.

Argentina reached their second consecutive World Cup final after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semifinal. Spain now stand between Messi and another historic achievement as Argentina look to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.

Speaking after Argentina’s semifinal triumph, Messi praised Spain’s quality and described them as one of the most complete teams in international football. The Argentina captain highlighted Spain’s long-standing football philosophy and his personal familiarity with many members of their squad.

“They are a tremendous team with outstanding players and great style of play — a team I know well,” Messi said.

“It’s a football philosophy; they’ve been playing this way for many years, and I know the players,” he added.

Messi’s Barcelona connection with Spain players

Messi spent more than two decades at Barcelona, becoming the club’s greatest-ever player before leaving in 2021. During his time at the Catalan club, he shared the dressing room with several Spanish players who are now key figures for the national team.

The Argentina legend said his connection with Barcelona has allowed him to continue following the progress of many current Spain stars.

“I also know the players. I’ve faced many of them before, and I still follow them. Some play for Barca, a club I’ve always loved and continue to follow,” Messi said.

Spain’s current squad includes players who have developed through Barcelona’s football philosophy, which focuses on possession, technical ability and intelligent movement.

That style is familiar to Messi, who played under several Barcelona managers and was central to the club’s dominance during one of the most successful periods in football history.

The final will therefore present a unique challenge for Messi, who understands both the strengths and tactical approach of many Spanish players.

Argentina overcome England in dramatic semifinal

Argentina’s path to the final has been filled with moments of resilience, and the semifinal against England was another example of their ability to perform under pressure.

England took the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon, putting Thomas Tuchel’s side on course for a first World Cup final appearance since 1966.

However, Argentina responded strongly in the closing stages. Messi provided the assist for Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser in the 85th minute before creating another decisive moment in stoppage time.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner delivered a precise cross for Lautaro Martinez, who headed home the winning goal to send Argentina into another final.

The victory continued Argentina’s impressive tournament run and maintained their hopes of retaining the trophy they won in Qatar in 2022.

Messi rejects claims of FIFA favouritism

Argentina’s World Cup campaign has been surrounded by debates over refereeing decisions, with some critics suggesting that the defending champions received favourable treatment.

Messi strongly rejected those claims, insisting that Argentina’s success has been built on years of consistent performances.

“It hurts whoever it hurts… We’ve been the best for the last four years, whether people like it or not, no matter what they say,” Messi said.

The Argentina captain pointed to the team’s achievement of reaching consecutive World Cup finals as evidence of their quality.

“Reaching two consecutive World Cup finals is something few achieve, and this group did it,” he added.

Messi also stated that Argentina would have faced criticism if they had lost to England, but the team responded by delivering another important victory.

“We knew that we were better than them in terms of football, but a lot is at stake in a match of this magnitude, where historic events happen in these games,” he said.

Messi dedicates England win to Maradona

The semifinal victory carried additional emotional significance for Argentina because of the historic rivalry with England and the memories of Diego Maradona.

Forty years earlier, Maradona produced one of the greatest World Cup performances in history against England during the 1986 tournament, scoring the famous “Hand of God” goal and the legendary solo effort in the quarter-final.

Messi said he believed Maradona would have enjoyed Argentina’s latest victory.

“Without a doubt, Diego is enjoying this immensely from up there because today was a very special day for him,” Messi said.

“To be able to give him this joy and for him to experience it however he wants from up there. Let him enjoy it because it’s a gift for him too,” he added.

Spain provide final challenge for Argentina

Spain enter the final after an impressive semifinal victory over France. The European side defeated France 2-0 with a disciplined performance, continuing their outstanding defensive record throughout the tournament.

Their young stars, including Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, have played a major role in their success.

The final will bring together two footballing philosophies. Argentina will rely on experience, intensity and Messi’s creativity, while Spain will look to dominate possession and use their technical quality.

For Messi, the match represents another opportunity to add to an already extraordinary legacy.

Conclusion

Lionel Messi’s Barcelona connection gives him valuable insight into Spain’s players ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. However, even with his knowledge of their style and squad, Argentina face a difficult challenge against one of the tournament’s strongest teams.

With history on the line, the final promises to be a defining moment for both Messi’s legacy and Spain’s new generation.