Messi's tunnel pep talk before World Cup final against Spain

In the tense atmosphere of the World Cup final tunnel, Argentina captain Lionel Messi delivered a passionate rallying cry to his teammates before they took the field for the second half against Spain. "Let's go play it, let's go play it! Come on!" Messi urged, his words met with applause from the squad.

The message was clearly intended to reignite the team's spirit. Argentina had struggled to impose its game in the first half, with the match largely contested in midfield. Spain had managed possession more effectively, limiting Argentina's attacking opportunities. Goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez had been crucial in keeping Argentina level, making key saves against Spanish efforts.

Adding to Argentina's challenges, key defender Lisandro Martínez was forced off the field due to injury just before halftime, replaced by Nicolás Otamendi. The team is aiming to secure its fourth World Cup title, a feat not achieved by any nation since Brazil's back-to-back wins in 1958 and 1962. Spain, meanwhile, is pursuing its second World Cup trophy and could become the first country to hold both the men's and women's World Cup titles simultaneously.

Coach Lionel Scaloni made three changes to Argentina's starting lineup compared to their semifinal victory, bringing in Gonzalo Montiel, Rodrigo De Paul, and Nicolás González. Spain's coach, Luis de la Fuente, opted to keep his lineup unchanged. This final is the 104th match of the 2026 World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams and hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament has already set a new scoring record, with 307 goals tallied before the final match.

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¡Vamos a jugarla, vamos a jugarla! ¡Dale!