It was the second half of England’s semifinal against Argentina when Jude Bellingham had a little disagreement with the greatest soccer player of all time. Arguing over a foul, Bellingham jawed at Lionel Messi and let him know, in no uncertain terms, that they weren’t on the same page.

“I thought there was a foul earlier and he said, ‘What about the one on me?’” Bellingham explained afterward. “And I said, ‘You’re strong enough to take it.’”

Messi simply replied with a we’ll-see-about-that nod. Bellingham was about to learn a lesson that Messi has been teaching global soccer for 20 years. Don’t poke the bear, even if he’s 5-foot-7.

What Messi did next was spark a seven-minute burst that turned England’s 1-0 advantage into a legendary 2-1 victory for Argentina in a World Cup semifinal. Pouncing on the Three Lions’ mind-boggling choice to sit back and defend for the final half-hour, Argentina produced late magic— yet again —to put itself 90 minutes from lifting the trophy for a second straight time. Playing in the final for a seventh time, they could become the first country to successfully defend the World Cup since Brazil in 1962.

Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Argentina training – Atlanta United Training Centre, Marietta, Georgia, U.S. – July 16, 2026 Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Leandro Paredes and Enzo Fernandez during training IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Brett Davis

Standing in their way, on Sunday in New Jersey, is Spain. And having returned from a whirlwind 48 hours at the semifinals in Dallas and Atlanta, I can tell you that the styles of these two finalists couldn’t be more different.

It’s the ultimate clash of system vs. individual. If Argentina is the team built entirely to maximize Messi’s talents, Spain is the well oiled machine, with endlessly replaceable parts, that plays the most recognizable style in soccer: a quick-passing side that weaves intricate patterns with the ball while its opponents run around in circles. La Roja’s possession game both lulled France into mistakes and defused the most explosive offense of the tournament.

Simply by keeping the ball and occupying space with unflinching discipline, Spain cut off the supply to Les Bleus’ attackers and left them searching for answers. Kylian Mbappé had been tied for the most goals at the tournament. Michael Olise led the World Cup in assists. In the 72 minutes they shared the field against Spain, they exchanged precisely one pass.

So now we have an unprecedented final. For the first time, it will pit the defending champion of Europe against the reigning champion of South America. Spain will kick off as favorites, but Argentina has the momentum—and the GOAT. East Rutherford, N.J. awaits.

Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Semi Final – England v Argentina – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. – July 15, 2026 Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates after the match with Nahuel Molina REUTERS/Brian Snyder