Messi backed to go back-to-back in Sunday’s World Cup final

They think it’s all over… it is now. Well, kind of.

England’s devastating semi final defeat to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina means the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday will be contested between Argentina and Spain.

And despite being the underdogs, it’s the South Americans who are clearly the punters’ favourites according to data from Kaizen Gaming-owned operator Betano. 

The draw is the most popular pick, but 82% of Betano users expect Messi to lift the trophy in successive World Cups, which will surely cement himself as the world’s greatest-ever footballer.

A whopping 42% of players expect the reigning world champions to retain their title after 120 minutes, with a further 19% backing Spain to lift international football’s biggest prize in extra time.

It was much more comfortable for Spain in the semis. They dispatched of the tournament’s then-favourites in France 2-0, with goals either side of half time from Mikel Oyarzabal and Tottenham Hotspur full back Pedro Porro.

For Argentina, it was bedlam in Atlanta, as they pulled off a dramatic late comeback against England through late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.

The SBC News offices in Manchester and London are still in a state of shock. At least FIFA has given us a third place play-off to look forward to against France, which I’m sure the entire population of both countries cannot wait for…

Messi vs Yamal

Many in the media are portraying the final as The Master in Messi vs The Apprentice in Lamine Yamal. 

Images of a photoshoot with the two when the latter was just six months old have resurfaced and are blowing up on social media.

It seems punters are jumping on that hype too, with 40% of users backing Messi to score in the final, followed by Spain’s Yamal at 18%.

Oyarzabal has been backed to find the back of the net by 12% of users.

Messi leads the race to win the World Cup Golden Ball, backed by 27% of users, while Yamal, who has had a relatively quiet tournament by his lofty standards, is the clear favourite with the punters to be named the best young player – 54% of users are backing him to win that particular prize. 

The 2026 World Cup final has a lot to live up to, as the 2022 edition saw one of the best matches ever witnessed in football when Argentina beat France on penalties after a whirlwind game which ended 3-3 after extra time. 

Fans of Spain and Argentina won’t care how entertaining the match is as long as their country gets over the line in New Jersey…