Argentina will go into the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain just one goal away from setting a new all-time record, with Lionel Scaloni’s side set to set a World Cup record for goals scored outside the penalty area.The defending champions have scored five goals from outside the penalty area, tying the highest number of goals scored by any team in a single World Cup. Lionel Messi contributed two of those long-range shots, while Giovanni Lo Celso, Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez had one each. Messi also surpassed Brazilian star Rivelino to become the player with the most goals outside the penalty area in the World Cup.Now Argentina has a chance to break that record once and for all when they face Euro 2024 champions Spain in Sunday’s final at New York’s New Jersey Stadium.In the semi-finals, Argentina beat England 2-1 in a dramatic comeback, locking in a spot in the championship game. After falling behind at half-time, Enzo Fernandez equalized and Lautaro Martinez scored the winner in stoppage time to send the defending champions into their second successive World Cup final.Meanwhile, Spain defeated France 2-0 to reach the World Cup final for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2010. Mikel Oyarzabal converted the penalty won by Lamine Yamal before Pedro Porro sealed the win after the break as Spain’s disciplined defense kept a clean sheet for the sixth time in seven games.Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is expecting an interesting showdown, describing the final as “a great game” between two teams that share similar philosophies in terms of quality, talent and attacking football.Scaloni echoed the same respect, insisting Argentina must produce their “best version” to retain the title. The Argentine coach also praised Messi’s extraordinary longevity, saying the 39-year-old’s journey to another World Cup final added another extraordinary chapter to the legacy of one of the greatest players in football history.With trophies and a unique World Cup record, Argentina has every reason to believe history can be made again.
