Can Argentina Overcome Spain's 'Iron Wall'? Messi's World Cup 'Last Dance'

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The North and Central American World Cup will come to a close with the final match early tomorrow (July 20). Argentina, led by the "God of Football" Lionel Messi, is aiming for a second consecutive title, while Spain, known for its impenetrable defense, seeks its first championship in 16 years.

Reporter Pyeon Gwanghyeon has the story.

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Argentina and Spain are heading into the final showdown after failing to complete their final training sessions properly due to severe weather.

In the New Jersey area, where the final will be held, torrential rain accompanied by lightning forced Spain to cancel its outdoor training, preventing them from conducting their final tactical drills. Argentina, whose training was scheduled 30 minutes later than Spain's, waited for 45 minutes until the rain stopped, allowing them to complete a brief final session.

The final, a clash between the South American and European champions, is truly a battle between the spear and the shield.

Argentina, boasting a powerful offense with an average of 2.71 goals per game, has reached the final for the second consecutive time, demonstrating frightening late-game resilience by scoring winning goals after the 90th minute in four consecutive matches from the Round of 32 to the semifinals. Spain, while trailing in firepower with an average of 1.86 goals per game, is a team defined by its "stingy defense," having kept clean sheets in six out of seven matches and conceding only one goal in total.

Argentina will look to defeat Spain with Messi at the forefront.

Messi, currently second in scoring with 8 goals and 4 assists—two goals behind Kylian Mbappe—could secure his first-ever Golden Boot if he adds two goals and one assist. He is also a strong candidate to win his third tournament MVP "Golden Ball."

[Giuliano Simeone / Argentina National Football Team Forward: Messi has everything as a football player, but he is still fighting. We are also running for Messi, and we are running for Argentina.]

Spain, which will achieve a record-breaking 38 consecutive unbeaten matches in A-matches if they win the final, is looking to reclaim the throne for the first time in 16 years. Lamine Yamal is available to play after recovering from a thigh injury, and the team will rely on midfield dominance led by Ballon d'Or winner Rodri.

[Luis de la Fuente / Spain National Football Team Head Coach: Both teams have their strengths. The team that effectively neutralizes the opponent's strengths will be closer to winning.]

With the showdown between FIFA No. 1 Argentina and No. 2 Spain approaching, fans gathered in New Jersey and New York are heating up the atmosphere with passionate cheering, heightening the festive mood.

Video Editing: So Ji-hye
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.