As this FIFA World Cup proves, it's unwise to limit Lionel Messi. The 39-year-old's international career may end Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, against Spain — the team that once tried to recruit him. In 2005, a 17-year-old Messi dazzled at the South American U-20 Championship in Colombia, showing uncanny ball control and spatial awareness. Argentina secured his allegiance for a debut against Hungary, though he was sent off within a minute. For years, Spain won the 2010 World Cup and 2008 and 2012 Euros while Argentina floundered. Messi briefly retired after a 2016 Copa América loss to Chile in the same stadium hosting Sunday's final.

Argentina's resurgence brought two Copa América titles and the 2022 World Cup. Coaches Lionel Scaloni and Luis de la Fuente share history — Scaloni earned coaching badges under De la Fuente in Spain. De la Fuente recently named Julián Álvarez as the foreign player he'd most want, now he must plan to stop Álvarez and Messi. Spain's possession-based approach will test whether they can starve Argentina's attack as they did against France's Kylian Mbappé.

The Finalissima between continental champions was cancelled due to scheduling conflicts and Middle East tensions. Now the fixture arrives with the ultimate prize: a World Cup final that completes a circle begun two decades ago.