With Argentina set to face Spain in the World Cup final, here is how the team’s most important contributors stack up based on their performances throughout the tournament.
1. Lionel Messi
Eight goals and two assists through the semifinal, including a hat-trick against Algeria and two decisive assists against England, keep Messi at the top of this list despite Argentina’s occasionally turbulent knockout run.
2. Enzo Fernández
Fernández’s stoppage-time winner against Egypt and his leveling goal in the semifinal comeback against England mark him as one of the tournament’s most clutch performers in Argentina’s midfield.
3. Julián Álvarez
His extra-time strike against Switzerland in the quarterfinals proved decisive in a match Argentina otherwise struggled to control, continuing his development into one of the squad’s most reliable attacking outlets.
4. Cristian Romero
Romero’s goal in the Round of 16 comeback against Egypt, combined with his defensive organization throughout the knockout rounds, has made him one of the squad’s most complete performers on both ends of the pitch.
5. Lautaro Martínez
Martínez’s headed winner against England in the semifinal underlined his continued reliability as a finisher in Argentina’s biggest moments.
6. Emiliano Martínez
Though tested less directly than in 2022, Martínez’s composure and shot-stopping have continued providing a steady presence behind Argentina’s defense throughout the knockout stages.
7. Alexis Mac Allister
Mac Allister’s movement and finishing, including his headed goal against Switzerland, have added further attacking depth to Argentina’s midfield throughout the tournament.
Looking Ahead to the Final
With this level of form across multiple positions, Argentina enters Sunday’s final against Spain with genuine depth beyond Messi, a factor that could prove decisive in the team’s bid to defend its title