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Argentina head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain with history within reach as Lionel Scaloni’s side came one goal away from setting a new tournament record for shots from outside the box.The defending champions have already scored five goals from outside the box, equaling the most by any team at a single FIFA World Cup. Lionel Messi has scored two of those long-range attempts, while Giovani Lo Celso, Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez have one each. Messi also surpassed Brazilian great Rivelli to become the player with the most World Cup goals scored from outside the box.Now Argentina have a chance to claim that record when they face UEFA Euro 2024 champions Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium in Sunday’s final.Argentina secured their place in the title race with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over England in the semi-finals. Trailing at the break, Enzo Fernandez equalized before Lautaro Martinez struck in stoppage time to send the reigning champions into a second consecutive World Cup final.Spain, meanwhile, reached their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010 with a calm 2-0 win over France. Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty won by Lamine Yamal before Pedro Porro sealed the score after the break and Spain’s disciplined defense registered his sixth clean sheet in seven matches.Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expects an entertaining showdown, describing the final as a “tense game” between two teams who share a similar philosophy built on quality, talent and attacking football.Scaloni echoed that respect, insisting Argentina must produce their “best version” to retain the title. The Argentina coach also hailed Messi’s remarkable longevity, saying the 39-year-old’s journey to another World Cup final adds another remarkable chapter to the legacy of one of the greatest players ever.With a trophy and a unique World Cup record in play, Argentina have every reason to believe that history could be rewritten.
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