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Welcome to FourFourTwo’s live coverage of the grandest event in football – the FIFA World Cup Final. We’re reporting from the New York/New Jersey Stadium, where Spain and defending champions Argentina are set to clash in what promises to be a truly historic encounter.

Can Lionel Messi lead La Albiceleste to back-to-back World Cup triumphs and secure a record-equalling fourth title for Argentina? Or will Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal inspire La Roja to their second-ever World Cup trophy?

Spain have been clinical on their way to New Jersey, with the tournament’s tightest defence marshalled by Rodri, who appears back at his Ballon d’Or-contending best. Argentina, meanwhile, have shown remarkable resilience, staging a dramatic Messi-inspired 2-1 comeback win over England in the semi-finals to reinforce their reputation as the kings of comebacks.

Spain’s starting eleven: Unai Simon, Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella, Dani Olmo, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, and Alex Baena.

Argentina’s starting eleven: Emiliano Martinez, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lionel Messi, and Julian Alvarez.

The entertainment lineup before kick-off includes performances from Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and Robbie Williams, as well as a special appearance by Tom Cruise. Truly, the closing ceremony showcases global music at its finest.

The presence of the U.S. President has led to extensive security checks, with both TSA and the Secret Service managing entry, resulting in queues lasting up to two hours. Despite the delays, both teams have arrived and are inspecting the pitch at MetLife Stadium.

With just over an hour left before kick-off, anticipation continues to build as the closing ceremony approaches.

Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, aged 46, has been given the honour of officiating the World Cup final – the pinnacle for any referee. Vincic expressed his emotions, saying, “At first, it was a shock. Then happiness. I was shaking—it’s an incredible honour to referee the World Cup final. It’s every young referee’s dream. I’m extremely proud to represent my country, Slovenia, at the biggest sporting event in the world.”

This is Vincic’s fourth match of the tournament. He previously took charge of Brazil vs Morocco and Jordan vs Algeria in the group stage, as well as Mexico vs Ecuador in the round of 32. Additionally, he refereed the 2022 Europa League final, where Eintracht Frankfurt defeated Rangers on penalties, and the 2024 Champions League final, in which Real Madrid overcame Borussia Dortmund.

As for individual honours, Lionel Messi could also be eyeing the Golden Boot. However, he faces a tough challenge as Kylian Mbappe’s brace against England took him to 10 goals, while Messi currently sits on 8. Even if Messi scores twice, Mbappe’s superior goals-per-minute ratio and equal number of assists (four each) would keep the Frenchman ahead unless Messi manages two goals and an assist or a hat-trick. This year’s race guarantees the highest-scoring Golden Boot winner since Gerd Muller netted 10 in 1970. Mbappe also now leads Messi in all-time World Cup goals – 22 to 21.

Argentina’s route to the final has been filled with drama. They breezed through the group stage, comfortably beating Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, largely thanks to Messi’s brilliance. Then came a thrilling 3-2 win over Cape Verde in the round of 32 after twice coming from behind, followed by another 3-2 comeback against Egypt in the round of 16 despite Messi missing a penalty. In the quarters, Argentina edged past Switzerland 3-1 after Breel Embolo’s red card turned the tide. Their semi-final win over England was another show of character, with late goals overturning Anthony Gordon’s opener for a 2-1 victory.

Spain, on the other hand, entered the tournament as favourites after winning the European Championship two years ago. Luis de la Fuente’s side started with a goalless draw against newcomers Cape Verde before defeating Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Uruguay 1-0 to top their group. They then beat Austria 3-0 in the round of 32, edged Portugal in the round of 16, and overcame Belgium 2-1 in the quarter-finals, with Mikel Merino again scoring late. In the semi-finals, Spain dominated France 2-0, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro sealing their place in the final.

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, serves as the venue for this monumental showdown – the first appearance at this ground for both sides in the tournament. The massive security arrangements have caused long entry delays for the media, taking up to four hours in some cases, but fans are expected to face smoother conditions.

And now, the moment the football world has waited for: the World Cup final. In the blue corner stand the reigning champions and undisputed kings of world football – Argentina. In the red corner, the challengers – former World Cup winners and current European champions, Spain. The stage is set for an unforgettable night.