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The last World Cup final hosted in the United States was far from entertaining, while Argentina’s recent showpieces have managed to both captivate and frustrate fans in equal measure.

As Argentina prepare to face Spain in New Jersey on Sunday evening, we take a look back at some of the most memorable World Cup finals since Italia ’90, ranked from the least exciting to the most unforgettable.

Expectations were high for a repeat of the 1970 classic between Brazil and Italy, but both sides appeared physically and mentally drained by the time they reached the Rose Bowl. Clear scoring chances were few and far between during 90 minutes of play.

The best opportunity in regular time came when Mauro Silva’s long-range effort slipped through Gianluca Pagliuca’s hands only for the post to save the Italian goalkeeper, who responded by kissing the upright in relief.

Extra time saw Brazil apply more pressure, with Romario missing a golden opportunity from close range, resulting in the only goalless final in World Cup history.

Italy faltered in the penalty shootout, missing three kicks—Daniele Massaro’s attempt was saved, while Franco Baresi and Roberto Baggio both blazed theirs over—handing Brazil their fourth title and first since defeating Italy 24 years earlier.

Spain captured their maiden World Cup crown in Johannesburg in a final remembered more for its 14 yellow cards and John Heitinga’s red card than for the football itself.

Referee Howard Webb faced criticism but could hardly allow a game so full of fouls to flow. Nigel De Jong was fortunate to avoid an early dismissal, but Webb’s leniency allowed the Netherlands to disrupt Spain’s rhythm effectively.

The deadlock was broken late in extra time when Cesc Fabregas teed up Andres Iniesta for the decisive goal, securing a deserved win for Spain in what was otherwise a forgettable final.

The following World Cup final, also decided by a single goal deep into extra time, went Germany’s way. Lionel Messi was largely contained in his first appearance on the biggest stage, as Mario Gotze’s exquisite control and finish from Andre Schurrle’s cross at the Maracana sealed victory.

Argentina, who had trailed for only seven minutes throughout the entire tournament, failed to register a shot on target for the first time in a World Cup match since their 1990 defeat to the same opponent by the same scoreline.

In Rome, with four suspensions including Claudio Caniggia, Argentina attempted to spoil their way to a title defence against West Germany. The plan held for 85 minutes before Andreas Brehme’s late penalty made the difference. Diego Maradona was tightly marked by Guido Buchwald and multiple teammates, leaving Argentina toothless in attack.

Pedro Monzon became the first player ever sent off in a World Cup final after a reckless tackle on Jurgen Klinsmann, and Gustavo Dezotti followed soon after, reducing Argentina to nine men by the closing minutes.

After the heartbreak of 1998 and years of injuries, Ronaldo finally had his redemption in Yokohama. The Brazilian striker scored twice in the final against Germany to lead his country to their fifth World Cup title.

Kleberson struck the crossbar in the first half, while Oliver Neuville hit the post from a 30-yard free-kick after the break. Despite Germany’s greater possession and more shots, Ronaldo’s clinical finishing was the difference.

His first goal came after Dietmar Hamann was dispossessed, leading to Rivaldo’s shot being spilled by Oliver Kahn into Ronaldo’s path. Twelve minutes later, Rivaldo’s dummy created space for Ronaldo to fire home again. Kahn earned the Golden Ball, while Ronaldo claimed both the Golden Boot and his long-awaited World Cup title.

The 1998 final is remembered as much for its pre-match chaos as for the football itself. Ronaldo’s name was initially missing from Brazil’s lineup after he suffered a convulsive episode earlier that day, leaving him unconscious for several minutes. Cleared to play after hospital tests, he rushed to the Stade de France, prompting a last-minute lineup change.

The turmoil seemed to unsettle Brazil, who struggled to defend set-pieces. Zinedine Zidane headed home twice from corners to give France a commanding lead. Ronaldo’s single clear chance was stopped by Fabien Barthez, and though Marcel Desailly was later sent off, Emmanuel Petit added a third in stoppage time to secure France’s first-ever World Cup triumph, making them the seventh nation to do so.

In the 2006 final, Zidane’s audacious panenka penalty against Gianluigi Buffon in the seventh minute set the tone for what seemed destined to be another Zidane masterclass. Marco Materazzi equalised soon after, and the game remained open and fiercely contested through extra time.

In the additional period, Zidane headbutted Materazzi after a verbal exchange involving Zidane’s sister, resulting in a red card that tainted his farewell match. France held on for penalties, but David Trezeguet’s miss handed Italy their fourth star.

The 2018 final in Moscow delivered a thunderous spectacle as France overcame Croatia in a six-goal thriller, equalling the record for the highest-scoring final since 1958. Despite Croatia dominating early, fortune favoured France as a controversial free-kick led to Mario Mandzukic’s own goal, followed by a harsh handball penalty against Ivan Perisic.

Perisic had earlier equalised, but goals from Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann within six minutes around the hour mark gave France control. Mandzukic later capitalised on a rare Hugo Lloris error, but France’s superior quality and composure saw them through to another world title—setting the stage for another high-scoring final four years later.

Then came Messi’s crowning moment in Qatar. Despite Kylian Mbappe netting only the second hat-trick ever scored in a World Cup final, it was Lionel Messi who finally achieved footballing immortality.

Needing the trophy to cement his legacy alongside Diego Maradona’s 1986 triumph, Messi’s first-half penalty and Angel Di Maria’s sublime finish put Argentina 2–0 up until the 80th minute.

Mbappe’s penalty and a swift second goal forced extra time, where both stars scored again. In the dying moments, Randal Kolo Muani was clean through, only for Emi Martinez to produce an iconic save that preserved Argentina’s hopes.

Martinez starred again in the shootout, saving from Kingsley Coman as Aurelien Tchouameni fired wide. Messi converted his penalty and, along with three teammates, secured Argentina’s win. The captain lifted the World Cup at last, earning player of the match honours despite Mbappe’s extraordinary display.