New Delhi, July 19 -- NEW YORK - Lionel Messi has not scored from open play since the quarterfinal. He has set up four goals. At 39, the player who spent two decades carrying Argentina on his back has shifted roles, and how Spain choose to respond to that shift will determine the outcome of the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

experienced, physical, and willing to commit before Yamal reaches the penalty area. How Yamal responds when space is denied matters as much as what he does when it is not.

Spain's possession style runs a different kind of risk against Argentina than it did against any previous opponent. La Roja's game, built on circulation through midfield and high pressing when the ball is lost, has been the mos...