East Rutherford: Lionel Messi’s Argentina made three changes to its starting lineup for Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain as the title holders attempt to become the first team since 1962 to retain the trophy.
Gonzalo Montiel, scorer of the winning penalty in the penalty shootout in the 2022 final victory over France, replaces Nahuel Molina for Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina at right back.
Other changes see Rodrigo De Paul return to midfield, where Nico Gonzalez also starts, while Leandro Paredes and Giuliano Simeone make way.
Argentina reached the final by beating England 2-1 in the semi-final on Wednesday in Atlanta after a dramatic late comeback.
Messi, 39, is playing in his third World Cup final and begins the day with eight goals in the tournament, two behind France’s Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.
The Argentina skipper has scored 21 goals in total at the World Cup, one behind Mbappé’s record of 22.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente named the same line-up that started the 2-0 semi-final victory over France.
Lamine Yamal, who could become the third youngest player to win a World Cup just six days after his 19th birthday, starts on the right wing for the reigning European champion.
Spain are aiming for a second World Cup after their previous triumph in 2010.
If Argentina wins, it will be its fourth title, which would put it tied with Germany and Italy and one behind record five-time champions Brazil.
Starting compositions
Spain: Unaï Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri (captain), Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzábal
Coach: Luis de la Fuente (ESP)
Argentina: Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Nico Gonzalez; Enzo Fernández; Lionel Messi (captain), Julian Alvarez
Coach: Lionel Scaloni (ARG)
Arbitrator: Slavko Vinčić (SLO)
