World Cup 2026 – Final: How does Lionel Messi fare against Spain?

19.07.26 AET World Cup

Spain

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Argentina

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Lionel Messi will play in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain on Sunday, July 19 (7pm GMT) at MetLife Stadium. Let’s take a look back at La Pulga’s record against La Roja.

The Inter Miami forward has faced Spain three times, all in friendly matches, with a record of one win and two losses. The first meeting came in October 2006, with Spain claiming a 2-1 victory. Messi played 61 minutes without making a decisive impact.

Three years later, Leo and Argentina lost again to Spain by the same 2-1 scoreline. The former Barcelona star was on the pitch for 84 minutes and scored a goal during that match.

He scored a goal in 86 minutes played during the 2010 friendly, which Argentina won 4-1, but he was absent in 2018 for the 6-1 defeat due to a groin injury.

It’s also worth noting there was an official encounter at the 2005 U20 World Cup, where La Pulga scored a goal and provided an assist, propelling Argentina U20 into the semifinals, and later lifting the trophy after beating Nigeria in the final.

Here are Messi’s matches against Spain:

25-06-2005 – U20 World Cup: Argentina – Spain 1-3: 90 minutes – 1 goal + 1 assist

11-10-2006 – Friendly: Spain – Argentina 2-1: 61 minutes played

14-11-2009 – Friendly: Spain – Argentina 2-1: 84 minutes – 1 goal

07-09-2010 – Friendly: Spain – Argentina 1-4: 86 minutes – 1 goal

March 27, 2018: Spain – Argentina 6-1 (Groin injury)

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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