Jamaican sports figures tip Spain or Argentina ahead of World Cup final

Spain’s teenage standout Lamine Yamal meets Argentina’s Lionel Messi in this afternoon’s FIFA World Cup final, pitting a first-time finalist against one of the game’s most decorated veterans as two former tournament winners clash for the title.

At 19 and appearing in his maiden World Cup, Yamal has registered a single goal and a single assist — figures that understate his impact. The Spanish wide man has unsettled opposing back lines throughout the competition, pulling defenders out of shape, opening avenues for colleagues and forcing decisive penalties.

Messi, 39, is contesting a record-extending sixth finals and arrives as joint top scorer on eight goals. He also shares second place on the assists chart with four.

Argentina recovered from a sluggish opening and has repeatedly clawed back from late arrears. That grit has left the holders as many people’s tip to retain the crown, yet Spain’s semi-final dismantling of pre-tournament favourites France suggests La Roja will not surrender lightly.

The Sunday Gleaner asked figures from Jamaica’s sporting community for their calls ahead of the showpiece at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Stafanie Taylor, Jamaica and West Indies cricketer:

“The World Cup has been exciting and unpredictable on some occasions, but for the final, I have my team, Argentina, to defeat Spain and retain their title.”

David Riley, national track and field coach:

“I don’t have a team in this World Cup. I have not had a team since Jamaica in 1998. If I were to support a team, it would be France. I just love France because of [Kylian] Mbappé – a talented sensible player. I just love to see that. Because Spain made France look so ordinary – France couldn’t even score in the semifinal – I’m going to have to go with Spain to win the World Cup. I think they will beat Argentina.”

Lawrence Rowe, retired Jamaica and West Indies cricketer:

“Like most Jamaicans, Brazil is my team, but early in the tournament, I didn’t think they were good enough this time. So I am going with Spain to win on Sunday.”

Rovman Powell, Jamaica and West Indies cricketer:

“I am a Brazil fan, Ronaldo is my GOAT, so I want Argentina to lose.”

Yohan Blake, 2011 World champion and Olympic relay gold medalist:

“My team is England and I support Portugal because of Cristiano Ronaldo. I think I am backing Spain to beat Argentina and lift the 2026 World Cup title.”

Xavier Gilbert, national football coach:

“It’s difficult to rule Argentina out because of how they have been performing and coming back in games, but honestly, I would like Spain to win just because of the annoying Argentina fans. But the reality is Lionel Messi continues to show why he is the greatest player right now, but it’s gonna be the legend versus the upcoming legend in terms of Yamal, so the curtain comes down on one while the door is open for another. Two fantastic players, two of the most exciting players in our lifetime.”

Christopher Taylor, International Cricket Council umpire and football analyst:

“I think the odds are with Spain at this point when you look at how resolute and organised their defence has been. They are on a 36- or 37-game unbeaten streak. They control the tempo of the game in terms of the midfield, which I think they definitely have the advantage there. ... What you have to look out for with Argentina, however, is that they are very resilient – almost pitbullish – and their desire to win or not be beaten is massive and my team, England, was punished by that. Obviously, the Lionel Messi factor as well as just the fact that they feel that they cannot be beaten as defending champion.”

Simon Crosskill, Radio Jamaica’s Hotline host:

“Brazil was my team. I’ve been watching, loving and supporting Brazilian football since the ‘70s so that won’t change any time, even though they don’t play the same kind of football that I love them for. Now between Argentina and Spain, it’s really hard to split those two, but I think – as has been the case with so many of the matches – Lionel Messi is going to be the difference, so I have Argentina to win 3-2 in extra time.”

Lorne Donaldson, former national footballer and coach:

“You have to give Argentina credit because their mentality is just very, very strong but I think Spain will win because they will continue to play football. They beat a good team in France, so they are not going to look to park the bus; they will continue to play football throughout the game. France was the team that I was carrying ,but again they got beaten fair and square by Spain, so you have to give Spain credit because defensively, they’re very, very hard to break down and in these big games.”

Kick-off is this afternoon, with TVJ carrying the final live from 2 p.m. and a build-up show from midday.