Spain Can Control Everything… Except Messi? | Tactical Analysis | FIFA World Cup 2026™

By FIFA Training Centre

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Luis de la Fuente’s Spain and Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ final — but how can each team win it? In this tactical analysis, FIFA Technical Study Group experts Gilberto Silva and Tobin Heath break down the key patterns behind both finalists. 00:00 Intro 00:35 Spain in-possession 02:14 Spain out-of-possession 03:06 Spain's X-factor 04:29 Argentina in-possession 05:46 Argentina out-of-possession 07:08 Argentina's X-factor Gilberto explains how Spain use patience, precision and wide circulation to open inside channels, before reacting immediately with aggressive counter-pressing when possession is lost. He also highlights Mikel Merino’s role as Spain’s late-game X factor. Tobin then looks at Argentina’s attacking threat: overloading central and wide areas, drawing defenders towards Lionel Messi, and using him as the first outlet when they win the ball back. Spain want control. Argentina want Messi in the decisive moments. Which approach will win the fina