The biggest game in world football is days away and the stage could not be set any better. Argentina and Spain meet in the FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday after Argentina pulled off a remarkable comeback win over England to get here.
Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar in 2022 and he'll get another shot at it here. Standing in his way is Spain's Lamine Yamal, a teenager playing in his first World Cup final.
Despite years of sharing the spotlight in world football, the two have never faced each other in an official match. Sunday changes that. Kickoff is set for July 19 at 3 p.m. ET.
Slavko Vincic Named Referee for Argentina vs. Spain World Cup Final
FIFA has confirmed the officiating crew for the final. Slovenia's Slavko Vincic will take charge of the match with Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic running the lines.
Jordan's Adham Makhadmeh will serve as the fourth official and Mohammad Alkalaf comes in as the reserve assistant referee.
When the appointments were announced to the group, Vincic was visibly emotional and struggled to hold back tears before those around him stepped in to congratulate him.
It's a significant moment for someone who has been one of UEFA's most trusted officials since earning his spot on FIFA's international list in 2010. His selection will draw attention though.
With scrutiny already surrounding claims that FIFA has favored Argentina throughout this tournament referee appointments have been under a microscope. Vincic has history with Argentina too.
He was the man in charge when Messi's side faced Saudi Arabia in their opening group game at the 2022 World Cup and lost 2-1, snapping a 36-match unbeaten run.
That remains the last World Cup game Argentina has lost. Sunday will be a different kind of test for everyone involved.
