For those who are just tuning in, here are the highlights of the World Cup so far, from Lionel Messi heroics and underdog upsets to brave USMNT performances.

Despite Lionel Messi’s presence, Argentina enter the 2026 final as underdogs to Spain and their starlet Lamine Yamal.

THE World Cup is set to reach its climax after over a month of brilliant football – and there’s still plenty to be excited about. Spain and Argentina face off in a mouthwatering clash

Lionel Messi surged to the top of the 2026 World Cup dribbling charts after Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final win over England, outpacing rivals.

BBC Sport explores a bond between two world-class footballers from different generations who appear bound by destiny

The Messi and Yamal photo from 2007 has taken over social media as both players gear up to represent their respective countries in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final

The remarkable photos of Lionel Messi and baby Lamine Yamal as pair prepare to clash in World Cup final - An infant Yamal was photographed alongside the man he succeeded as Barcelona’s star in 2007

Lionel Messi once gave Lamine Yamal a bath. It is one of football’s strangest stories. Now, nearly two decades later, they will meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with the biggest prize in the sport on the line.