Mikel Oyarzabal has scored in the six finals he has played as a professional.

If Argentina are to retain the trophy they won in Qatar in 2022, they must first break down a Spanish defence that has been virtually impenetrable throughout the competition. Luis de la Fuente's side has conceded just one goal in seven matches, making defensive discipline the cornerstone of its run to the final.

The Arsenal dynamo became just the fourth Englishman to score a hat-trick at the global finals, after Geoff Hurst in 1966, Gary Lineker 20 years later and then Harry Kane at Russia 2018.

The two nations will battle for the title on Monday [1am, Bangladesh Time] at the East Rutherford, N.J.

Rodri, the 2024 Ballon D'Or winner who has excelled at the heart of Spain's midfield during the World Cup, said he expects the final to be unlike any other game the European champions have faced.

Messi, accompanied by Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni and goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez, spoke at an event ahead of Monday's World Cup final against Spain in New York/New Jersey (1:00am Bangladesh Time).

The shirt had previously sold at auction in 2004 for 70,505 pounds ($105,600), according to Sotheby's.

The French, world champions in 2018 and finalists four years ago, were one of the main title contenders and were hoping for a third straight final before being knocked out by European champions Spain in the semifinal.

Before boarding Argentina's flight from Kansas City to New York on Friday, the Chelsea midfielder once again cupped his hands behind his ears in the famous "Topo Gigio" celebration--the same gesture he produced after scoring against England in the World Cup semifinal.

The 39-year-old Argentina captain provided assists for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez in the dying minutes of Wednesday's highly charged clash at Atlanta Stadium as the world champions came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory.

The connection between Maradona and Messi goes far beyond shared celebrations. Both grew up in a football culture where every child dreams of wearing the No.10 shirt. On dusty pitches, with worn-out boots and endless passion, they learned to play the Argentine way -- with creativity, courage, and the ball always at their feet.

Hampered by Tuchel's cautious substitutions, England squandered a golden opportunity to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, blowing the lead as Argentina scored twice in the closing minutes to snatch a 2-1 win on Wednesday.

Following the thrilling encounter, players and coaches from both sides reflected on the dramatic contest.

Lionel Messi engineered a spectacular comeback for Argentina against England in their World Cup semi-final on Thursday to keep his team on track for back-to-back titles.

After controlling much of the early play and taking a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute, England seemingly went into a shell, attempting to pack the back end and protect its lead while losing the aggressiveness that got it the lead in the first place.

Messi said victory in the semifinal was "quite a special one, especially playing against England with all the historical context".

England had 12% of the possession from the time that Gordon opened the scoring to Martinez’s winner 38 minutes later.

"Speechless. This is a joy for our country and our people. The other day I said this group never ceases to amaze me, and tonight they proved it again."

Anthony Gordon put England ahead in the 55th minute but Enzo Fernandez equalised 30 minutes later and Lautaro Martinez headed in the winner in stoppage time from Lionel Messi's cross.

From England's victory at the 1966 World Cup to the shadow cast by the 1982 Falklands War, from Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal in 1986 to major duels in 1998 and 2002, meetings between the countries have long felt larger than soccer.