Lionel Messi Boasts Impressive Record Against Spain Ahead of 2026 World Cup Final

As the 2026 World Cup final approaches, Lionel Messi prepares to face Spain, the nation where he spent much of his club career and achieved many of his greatest moments. After Argentina's semifinal victory secured their second consecutive World Cup final appearance, Messi reflected on his familiarity with the Spanish team, stating, "Spain is a team I know very well."

Messi's record against Spain is remarkable, having scored 62 goals in 81 matches against players from La Roja. Defender Aymeric Laporte, who is expected to start in the final, has faced Messi 15 times and conceded 11 goals. Goalkeeper Unai Simón has played seven matches against Messi and allowed five goals. If Messi continues to operate from the right wing as in previous games, Marc Cucurella will face a tough challenge, having conceded five goals in five encounters with Messi.

Other notable Spanish players with difficult records against Messi include Pedro Porro, who conceded three goals in two matches, and Iñigo Iglesias, who faced Messi four times and allowed five goals. Messi also has strong statistics against Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi, and Mikel Oyarzabal, scoring 22 goals in 31 matches against them combined. However, several Spanish squad members, including David Raya, Marc Roca, Eric Garcia, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Juan Garcia, Alex Baena, Nico Williams, Lamin Yamal, Pedri, Víctor Muñoz, and Pau Cubarsí, have never played against Messi in official matches.

The final on July 26, 2026, will be a significant event for Messi as he aims to bring Argentina their fourth World Cup title and further cement his legacy against a team he knows intimately.