New Delhi, July 19 -- Former India international footballer and ex-India women's team head coach Anadi Barua expects the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina to be a fascinating tactical battle, saying Spain's defensive discipline will be tested by Lionel Messi's extraordinary ability to influence matches.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's title clash, Barua said the contest had all the ingredients of a classic between two evenly matched footballing giants.

"Today's match will be thrilling; the two teams have faced each other fourteen times previously--winning six games each, with two draws. Spain defeated Argentina 5-1 in a friendly match a few years back. So, this is going to be a tough, high-quality match, a clash of attack...