The match will be played at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026.
It’s no surprise that Xavi picked Spain and Javier Mascherano picked Argentina, but their reasoning is interesting.
And they have the tools to play a really good final and lift the trophy,” the former defensive midfielder said.
“Argentina is suffering without the ball, and we can have all the possession.”He also highlighted Lamine Yamal, who debuted under Xavi as Barcelona manager, as the difference-maker upfront.
His only response was to keep the ball as far away as possible from the Argentine star, noting that such a task was “difficult.”
UNITED STATES - JULY 16: (EDITOR’S NOTE: This image, created on July 16, is a digital cutout composite of image numbers 2280945202, 2280945611, 2280945773, 2280945722, 2281268567, 2281268725, 2281268671 and 2281268507.) In this photo illustration, (L-R) Rodri, Alex Baena, Lamine Yamal and Unai Simon of Spain and Emiliano Martinez, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez of Argentina ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina on July 16, 2026 in the United States. The match will be played at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026. (Photo by FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) FIFA via Getty Images
Two FC Barcelona legends, former teammates of Lionel Messi, and ex-players for the two national teams playing the FIFA World Cup final debated who will win the match between Spain and Argentina on the CB1MILLI YouTube channel.
It’s no surprise that Xavi picked Spain and Javier Mascherano picked Argentina, but their reasoning is interesting.
Mascherano highlighted Argentina’s hunger, speed, and quality.
“In the last game, we can watch what they can do. And they have the tools to play a really good final and lift the trophy,” the former defensive midfielder said.
Argentina defeated England 2-1 in a comeback victory in the semifinal.
Xavi ceded all points, but still disagreed. “Fully agreed, because Argentina is a top team. They know how to win,” he said.
“But … we already won the [Euros], we have many players to make the difference, we have good defenders, good goalkeepers - in my opinion, the best midfielders in the world controlling the game - and I think we will have the tempo, the possession, and this is Spain.”
It’s no surprise that Xavi, known for his ability to control games and keep possession for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team, saw that as the main advantage.
“Argentina is suffering without the ball, and we can have all the possession.”
He also highlighted Lamine Yamal, who debuted under Xavi as Barcelona manager, as the difference-maker upfront.
“But we have Messi, and they don’t,” Mascherano countered.
“That’s true,” Xavi conceded. His only response was to keep the ball as far away as possible from the Argentine star, noting that such a task was “difficult.”
