Spain vs. Argentina player ratings: Live grades for Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, others in 2026 World Cup final

Spain vs. Argentina player ratings: Live grades for Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, others in 2026 World Cup final originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — By the end of the match on Sunday, the 2026 World Cup champion will be crowned as Spain takes on Argentina in the final at MetLife Stadium.

At 39 years old, Lionel Messi goes for his second straight World Cup title after triumphing in iconic fashion four years ago in Qatar.

He will face off against 18-year-old Lamine Yamal of Spain, who is considered his protegee at Barcelona, having come through the La Masia academy and blossomed into a global superstar despite his young age.

The Sporting News brings you a full list of live player ratings for the match, analyzing both team’s individual performances from the opening kickoff to the final whistle.

LIVE:Follow Spain vs. Argentina updates from 2026 World Cup final

Spain vs. Argentina live score

Location: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)
Referee: Slavko Vincic (SLV)

Starting lineups:

Spain (4-2-3-1, right to left): 23. U. Simon (GK) — 12. P. Porro, 22. P. Cubarsi, 14. A. Laporte, 24. M. Cucurella — 16. Rodri, 8. F. Ruiz (Pedri, 62′) — 19. Lamine Yamal, 10. D. Olmo (Merino, 75′), 15. A. Baena (N. Williams, 75′) — 21. M. Oyarzabal (F. Torres, 62′).

Argentina (4-4-2, right to left): 23. E. Martinez (GK) — 4. G. Montiel (Molina, 58′), 13. C. Romero (Medina, 71′), 6. Li. Martinez (Otamendi, 45′), 3. N. Tagliafico — 7. R. De Paul (Simeone, 71′), 20. A. Mac Allister, 24. E. Fernandez (red card — 90+3′), 15. N. Gonzalez (Paredes, 46′) — 10. L. Messi, 9. J. Alvarez

Spain player ratings vs. Argentina

All ratings are on a 10-point scale.

Starters

Goalkeeper: Unai Simon — 6

Unai Simon has been steady at the back for Spain, but has struggled throughout the tournament with distribution in possession, especially long.

Had a nervy moment early on when he came miles out of his goal to stop Lionel Messi from getting out on the counter. He cleared it right to an Argentina player, but it just about did the job. That was the only real moment of danger for him the entire first half.

As he has all tournament, he struggled with long distribution, accurate with just one of his five long balls in the first half. That’s a much lower volume than usual, which indicates Luis De La Fuente has decided to limit his giveaways going deep.

This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.

Right-back: Pedro Porro — 7

Tottenham full-back Pedro Porro has been one of the standout players not only on Spain, but of the entire World Cup this summer.

Had less attacking intent than he has in many games this World Cup, but was quite assured when he was on the ball, linking up with Lamine Yamal well. Nico Gonzalez’s primary role was to defend Pedro Porro and help double Lamine, so it was tough sledding on Spain’s right flank.

This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.

Right center-back: Pau Cubarsi — 8

One of the best young players in the world, La Masia product Pau Cubarsi excels on the ball as a passer at the base of Spain’s buildup, and also defending at pace as part of Spain’s high line.

He had 63 touches in the first half, the most of any player, which is par for the course with Spain. As usual, he missed just one of his 59 first-half passes, and delivered three defensive contributions.

This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.

Left center-back: Aymeric Laporte — 6

While Pau Cubarsi does most of the possessional work at the back for Spain, Aymeric Laporte has been one of the best defenders at the World Cup this summer.

This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.

Left-back: Marc Cucurella — 7

Having recently signed for Real Madrid, Marc Cucurella provides exceptional attacking width on the left, often overlapping with Alex Baena.

He was outstanding the entire first half, and came quite close to the opening goal shortly before halftime, dragging a shot just wide of the far post from distance.

This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.

Central midfielder: Rodri — 8

After needing time to regain his full strength after tearing his ACL, former Ballon d’Or winner Rodri now appears to be back to his best.

He was exceptional in the first half, a brilliant performance to keep Spain in control of the match. Five passes into the final third, two tackles, and five of seven ground duels won wrapped up a sensational first half.

This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.

Central midfielder: Fabian Ruiz — 6

Fabian Ruiz has taken over in midfield for Pedri over the past two games, and has been exceptional, scoring against Belgium and dominating the center of the pitch against France.

Had a pretty good performance, completing 45 of his 50 total passes and getting on the ball in various positions, but wasn’t the game-changer he had been against France. Came off after an hour for Pedri with the game still scoreless.

Right winger: Lamine Yamal — 7

One of the world’s biggest superstars at only 18 years old, Lamine Yamal has had a quiet World Cup as he works back to full fitness from a hamstring injury within this possession-oriented Spain system.

As usual, was an obvious focal point of the Spain attack early and often. Had an early chance inside the opening 10 minutes but it was saved well by Emi Martinez at his near post. Wow’d the crowd with a delicious first touch bringing down a Pedro Porro long ball in the 17th minute.

Continued to work hard progressing the ball forward as the game went on, but met a wall of at least two defenders every single time. After recycling a poor corner, he put a cross right on a platter for Ferran Torres, but the wasteful Barcelona forward directed it straight at the goalkeeper.

This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.

Attacking midfielder: Dani Olmo — 7

Dani Olmo has been one of the keys to this Spain team at the World Cup this summer, playing a No. 10 role where he has multiple responsibilities both in and out of possession.

He was heavily involved for Spain early on, and nearly created the opening goal for Lamine Yamal just four minutes in. Provided excellent attacking threat, but as he continued to slowly drop deeper and deeper to receive possession, he lost his influence on the game.

Left winger: Alex Baena — 6

With Nico Williams not fully fit, Alex Baena has been the consistent starter on the left for Spain at the World Cup. While he hasn’t provided the same attacking threat, he has fit very well in this Luis de la Fuente system.

Had almost no joy on the left wing with Marc Cucurella getting forward to provide the width, but Baena did drop into midfield on occasion to help with numerical superiority. The one time he got forward in the first half, he misplayed the bounce of a long ball from Cucurella and the chance evaporated.

As his legs began to tire, he was replaced by Nico Williams with 20 minutes to go, as he has for most of the tournament.

Striker: Mikel Oyarzabal — 5

One of the most unorthodox strikers in international football right now, Mikel Oyarzabal plays more like a midfielder than he does a striker. He drops deep into the middle of the pitch often, adding to Spain’s overload in the middle.

Had a big moment in the 39th minute but put his first-time shot straight at Emi Martinez. Shortly after halftime, had the chance to finish a one-two with Fabian Ruiz, but didn’t follow his pass and was not there to receive Ruiz’s inspired back-heel.

Brought off after an hour as Luis de la Fuente went for a more pure striker in Ferran Torres.

Spain substitutes vs. Argentina

62nd min: Pedri — Grade pending

Entered on the hour mark for Fabian Ruiz, who had started for him in the last three matches.

62nd min: Ferran Torres — Grade pending

Came on for Mikel Oyarzabal with a chance to change the narrative around his World Cup, which has been full of big misses.

Unfortunately, his first big opportunity ended with more of the same, as he headed a great Lamine Yamal cross right at Emi Martinez in the 67th minute. Whiffed again in the 87th minute as he tried to one-time Mikel Merino’s chip over the top, but in fairness it was a chance with a high degree of difficulty.

75th min: Nico Williams — Grade pending

Entered for Alex Baena for the final portion of the match, which has been a consistent sub for Luis de la Fuente this tournament.

Attempted to take on Gonzalo Montiel over and over again on the dribble, and lost just about every single duel.

75th min: Mikel Merino — Grade pending

Came on for Dani Olmo, moving Pedri to the No. 10 role while Merino slotted in next to Rodri.

This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and players enter the match off the bench.

Spain coach vs. Argentina

Luis de la Fuente: Grade pending

This section will be updated after the match with analysis and commentary once the coach’s tactical approach and in-game handling can be assessed on the whole.

MORE WORLD CUP FINAL NEWS:

Argentina player ratings vs. Spain

Starters

Goalkeeper: Emi Martinez — 7

Argentina’s mercurial goalkeeper Emi Martinez is back in the World Cup final after his iconic save on Randal Kolo Muani four years ago in Qatar.

Was assured at his near post early on against a Lamine Yamal shot, which was his only moment of the first half. Looked extremely shaky against successive corners past the hour mark, as Spain began to turn up the heat.

Martinez was confident in net, making eight saves by the 81st minute. But he hardly had to work for them, as Spain continued to finish chances directly at the Argentina goalkeeper.

This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.

Right-back: Gonzalo Montiel — 7

Replaced Nahuel Molina in the Argentina starting lineup for the World Cup final. Didn’t have a ton of defending to do compared to his teammates on the opposite wing, but still had to deal with Marc Cucurella often.

Made a brilliant tackle on the new Real Madrid signing in the 37th minute to prevent him from getting in on goal. Did it again in the 56th minute as he stepped in front of Cucurella who was looking to latch onto Dani Olmo’s diagonal pull-back and could have had an open shot.

Was very surprising to see him withdrawn in the 58th minute for Nahuel Molina. He must have emptied the gas tank.

Right center-back: Cristian Romero — 7

Tottenham center-back Cristian Romero has been an absolute rock at the back for Argentina this summer, proving himself a defensive monster under Lionel Scaloni.

Wasn’t as visible as he has been in the past through the first half, but that’s a good thing for Argentina. He managed to cover his space effectively and not get himself too involved, which is exactly what his team would have wanted for their defensive-minded center-back.

His exit with 20 minutes to go due to injury was an extremely big blow to Argentina’s World Cup hopes.

Left center-back: Lisandro Martinez — 7*

Argentina’s on-ball foil to Cristian Romero is Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez, whose defending has been shaky at times this summer but is strong in possession.

He was extremely sharp early on while defending on Lamine Yamal’s side of the field. He was on point to make tackles, block crosses, and generally clog passing lanes. Had to absorb a yellow card to prevent Mikel Oyarzabal from getting out on the counter in the 40th minute, a pivotal point in his performance.

Unfortunately had to come off shortly before halftime due to an unfortunate injury, replaced by Nicolas Otamendi.

Left-back: Nicolas Tagliafico — 7

Argentina veteran Nicolas Tagliafico will have his hands full defending Lamine Yamal against Spain in the World Cup final.

Defended Lamine Yamal quite well early on, with lots of help from Nico Gonzalez. Probably lucky to get away with a yellow card-worthy foul on the Spain youngster in the 30th minute but was allowed to get away with it. His physical play kept a lid on things down the Spain right flank through much of the first half.

This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.

Right midfielder: Rodrigo De Paul — 5

Benched against England, Rodrigo De Paul helped change the game late in the semifinals and has been reinserted into the starting XI by Lionel Scaloni.

Did his best to affect the game out wide, but he is not at his best in wide areas, and he was limited to just two passes into the final third across the opening 45 minutes of the game while contributing zero defensive actions. He has often been lost when deployed out wide, and that was the case again today.

Being replaced by Giuliano Simeone in the 71st minute was merciful.

Central midfielder: Alexis Mac Allister — 5

Roaming throughout the middle of the pitch and occasionally making runs into the penalty area, Alexis Mac Allister has revived himself from a difficult season at Liverpool to be a reliable and versatile player at the World Cup.

Was very active the first 20 minutes, cropping up all over the pitch breaking up Spain possession and making life difficult for Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Pedro Porro, and Lamine Yamal. His contributions quickly devolved as the first half went on, however, and began to be problematic for Argentina as he passed the ball right to Lamine Yamal in the 41st minute, starting a Spain possession that ended with a close call for Marc Cucurella.

This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.

Left midfielder: Nico Gonzalez — 5

Roaming throughout the middle of the pitch and occasionally making runs into the penalty area, Alexis Mac Allister has revived himself from a difficult season at Liverpool to be a reliable and versatile player at the World Cup.

He had lots of defensive responsibilities, covering Pedro Porro and helping double Lamine Yamal, so there was very little possessional work for him to do, and he struggled to get into dangerous positions or provide any kind of width.

Hooked at halftime for Leandro Paredes.

Attacking midfielder: Enzo Fernandez — 3

Enzo Fernandez had struggled for most of the World Cup until he cropped up with a career-defining goal in the semifinals against England.

Just like most of his tournament so far, Enzo was unable to venture forward at all in the first half, as Argentina largely went long for much of the opening 45 minutes. He had 38 touches, and hardly any in the attacking third. With an old, slow midfield behind him, he’s just had zero freedom to venture forward at all.

Booked for diving in the final 10 minutes of regulation, wasting a good counter-attacking opportunity. Then deservingly sent off for a very bad challenge on Pau Cubarsi that resulted in a second yellow but could have been a red card in its own right.

An inauspicious end to a very poor World Cup overall.

Right forward: Lionel Messi — 5

The greatest player of all-time has been nothing short of electric at the World Cup, willing his team back from the brink on multiple occasions.

Messi was largely a passenger in the first half, as enjoyed just 16 total touches, and none in the meat of the final third. With Argentina forced to go long in the opening 45 minutes, it left Messi with very little influence on the game.

This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.

Left forward: Julian Alvarez — 4

Julian Alvarez has been a strong compliment to Lionel Messi this summer, providing energy, hold-up play, passing, and creativity as well as a goal scoring threat of his own.

Completely invisible in the first half, with just nine touches. Lost all three of his ground duels, and committed two fouls.

This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and the player logs his performance on the pitch.

Argentina substitutes vs. Spain

45th min: Nicolas Otamendi — Grade pending

Had to enter just before halftime for an injured Lisandro Martinez.

46th min: Leandro Paredes — Grade pending

Entered at halftime for Nico Gonzalez, and immediately got a yellow card for an off-ball scuffle with Lamine Yamal and a lot of remonstrating in the referee’s face after.

Fouled Ferran Torres in stoppage time, giving Spain a very good set-piece opportunity.

58th min: Nahuel Molina — Grade pending

Came on for Gonzalo Montiel near the hour mark, and had big shoes to fill as Montiel had performed very well to that point with a difficult task.

Defended Nico Williams very well in the dying minutes of regulation, as the Athletic winger tried over and over to beat him on the dribble and couldn’t do it.

71st min: Giuliano Simeone — Grade pending

Simeone, a real winger, entered for Rodrigo De Paul, who is not a real winger.

71st min: Facundo Medina — Grade pending

Entered with 20 minutes to go as Cristian Romero came off injured.

This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the game progresses and players enter the match off the bench.

Argentina coach vs. Spain

Lionel Scaloni: 8

This section will be updated after the match with analysis and commentary once the coach’s tactical approach and in-game handling can be assessed on the whole.

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