Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday following a thrilling comeback victory over England. This marks Lionel Messi’s back-to-back finals appearance, having won his first World Cup in Qatar in 2022. For Spain, it’s the first final appearance for their young talent Lamine Yamal. Messi and Yamal have never played against each other, except for a memorable photo from Yamal’s childhood.

Individual awards will be decided post-final, including the Golden Ball for best player, Golden Glove for best goalkeeper, and Golden Boot for top goalscorer. Messi leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals and four assists, followed closely by Kylian Mbappe with eight goals and three assists. Erling Haaland trails with seven goals, and Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have six each. They still have a chance to compete for the bronze medal match on Saturday.

“Who will win the World Cup final and the main individual awards?” We asked our writers, and here’s what they said:

World Cup Final Predictions

Phil Hay: Spain. They’re confident, coming in strong, and have proven strategies. Luis de la Fuente has a great tactical plan.

Carl Anka: Spain. Though slow at the start, they’ve hit their stride, and Rodri’s form is impressive. Yamal may not be scoring much, but he remains a threat.

Seb Stafford-Bloor: Spain. Argentina took advantage of England’s tactics, but Spain presents a different challenge.

Dermot Corrigan: Spain. They were outstanding against France, and Argentina has had to rely on comebacks.

Henry Bushnell: Spain. This team is in-sync, organized, sharp, and tactically sound.

Lukas Weese: Argentina. Despite Spain’s performance, Argentina’s comebacks feel like destiny.

Stu James: Spain. Despite Argentina’s resilience and Messi’s brilliance, Spain’s team play is too solid.

Paul Tenorio: Argentina. Messi’s legacy and the team’s spirit are powerful motivators.

Are These the Best Teams?

Phil Hay: France is still formidable. The semi-final felt like the real final.

Seb Stafford-Bloor: It’s not clear. Argentina has been unpredictable but compelling.

Dermot Corrigan: Both teams have faced challenges and come through, much like Spain in 2010.

Carl Anka: Spain and Argentina manage the ball well, which is key to advancing.

Henry Bushnell: France felt like a stronger contender than Argentina.

Lukas Weese: France and Spain would have been a more fitting final.

Stu James: Tournament football isn’t just about being the best team.

Paul Tenorio: France seemed the strongest until their semi-final game.

Golden Boot Predictions

Phil Hay: A tie between Messi and Mbappe reflects their tournament performances.

Dermot Corrigan: The third-place match could offer Mbappe a chance to pull ahead.

Carl Anka: Lionel Messi should take the Golden Boot.

Henry Bushnell: Messi’s assists give him an edge over Mbappe.

Lukas Weese: Messi seems destined to win.

Stu James: Predicts Mbappe with goals in the third-place play-off.

Golden Ball Predictions

Phil Hay: Messi. His record-breaking performance makes him the obvious choice.

Seb Stafford-Bloor: Messi’s remarkable influence benefits greatly from coach Scaloni’s approach.

Dermot Corrigan: Messi is the likely winner, even if Spain wins the final.

Carl Anka: Messi is set for another Golden Ball recognition.

Henry Bushnell: Messi, even without touching the ball in the final.

Lukas Weese: Messi feels like the central character of this tournament.

Stu James: Messi, undoubtedly. His influence is immense.

Paul Tenorio: Messi’s efforts push Argentina to the final.

Golden Glove and Young Player Predictions

Phil Hay et al.: Unai Simon for the Golden Glove, due to his impressive record of one goal conceded.

Phil Hay: Lamine Yamal as best young player, though Pau Cubarsi deserves recognition.

Seb Stafford-Bloor: Pau Cubarsi’s performances were outstanding.

Dermot Corrigan: Yamal remains a crucial player for Spain.

Henry Bushnell: Cubarsi should win but Yamal might take it with a strong final performance.

Lukas Weese: Yamal could become the hero at the final.

Stu James: Cubarsi’s World Cup performance deserves the award.

Paul Tenorio: Cubarsi likely, but Yamal could surprise.

Goal of the Tournament

Phil Hay: Sidny Lopes Cabral’s goal against Argentina stands out.

Seb Stafford-Bloor: Pedro Porro’s goal vs. France impresses for intricacy.

Dermot Corrigan: Messi’s goal against Egypt is memorable.

Carl Anka: Lopes Cabral’s goal is a testament to expanded tournament success.

Henry Bushnell: Alvarez’s goal had narrative impact.

Lukas Weese: Mess’ goal against Algeria showed brilliance.

Stu James: Cabral’s strike is the undeniable winner.

Paul Tenorio: Cabral’s goal deserves recognition.