Argentina are just one step away from making history as they advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain, with Lionel Scaloni’s side just one goal away from setting a World Cup record for goals scored outside the penalty area.The defending champion has scored five goals from outside the penalty area, tying the highest number of goals scored by any team in a single World Cup. Lionel Messi contributed two of those long-range shots, while Giovanni Lo Celso, Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez had one each. Messi also surpassed Brazilian star Rivelino to become the player with the most goals outside the penalty area in the World Cup.Now Argentina has a chance to break that record once and for all in Sunday’s final against Euro 2024 champions Spain at New York’s New Jersey Stadium.In the semi-finals, Argentina beat England 2-1 in a dramatic comeback to seal their spot in the title race. After falling behind at half-time, Enzo Fernandez equalized and Lautaro Martinez scored the winner in stoppage time to send the defending champions into their second successive World Cup final.Meanwhile, Spain defeated France 2-0 to reach the World Cup final for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2010. Mikel Oyarzabal converted the penalty won by Lamine Yamal before Pedro Porro sealed the win after the break as Spain’s disciplined defense kept a clean sheet for the sixth time in seven games.Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is expecting an interesting showdown, describing the final as “a great game” between two teams that share similar philosophies in terms of quality, talent and attacking football.Scaloni echoed the same respect, insisting Argentina must produce their “best version” to retain the title. The Argentine boss also praised Messi’s extraordinary longevity, saying the 39-year-old’s journey to another World Cup final adds another extraordinary chapter to the legacy of one of the greatest players in football history.With trophies and a unique World Cup record, Argentina has every reason to believe history can be made again.
