By Aidan Perkins
The World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday brings to an end five-and-a-half weeks of international action and it will either be the defending champions or the Euro 2024 winners who will land the game's biggest prize in New York/New Jersey.
Spain are the favourites after easing past Austria, Portugal, Belgium and the previously brilliant France in the knockout rounds, while Argentina have had to dig deep to eliminate Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland and England.
Messi an obvious pick
Lionel Messi has banged in eight goals in the tournament, as the mercurial 39-year-old continues to defy his age and inspire the Albiceleste on the biggest stage.
The Inter Miami man is on course to win the Golden Boot and will also have that personal accolade on his mind when the two teams step out at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Messi did not score in the semi-final against England but did set up his country's two late goals.
A man for the big occasion, another goal involvement would further cement Messi's status as one of the world's greatest-ever players before he retires.
Merino Spain's secret weapon?
Spain have progressed to the final more by virtue of fine team displays than by relying on individual brilliance.
However, Mikel Oyarzabal has still scored five goals and Mikel Merino has weighed in with a timely two, coming off the bench to score the late winners over both Portugal and Belgium.
Merino is again expected to be named among the replacements in the final, but if the game is tight, Luis de la Fuente will have no hesitation in turning to him.
Rodri can finally see Yellow
Rodri has once again been outstanding for Spain in midfield, the Manchester City man steadily controlling the game for La Roja while also reacting quickly to repel opponents' dangerous counter-attacks.
It is still a bit of a surprise that he has not been booked in the tournament, after committing nine fouls in seven games, but a card could be coming his way in New York/New Jersey.
With familiar Premier League rivals Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez vying for the ball in midfield, the Argentina players will attempt to disrupt Rodri's usual rhythm and tempers could boil over.
Rodri, who has been booked 10 times for Spain in 69 appearances, picked up six cautions for City in all competitions last season and will be ready and prepared to put his all into challenges to help his side triumph on Sunday.
Yamal to test Tagliafico
Argentina left-back Nicolas Tagliafico is another card candidate as he prepares to go directly up against Spain right-winger Lamine Yamal.
The 33-year-old will have to use all his experience to try and stop the Spaniards' talented frontline and Yamal will be eager to run at the Lyon defender when he gets the chance.
Tagliafico has not been booked at this World Cup, but he does have 15 bookings from 82 caps, so he is no stranger to getting in trouble with officials when stepping onto the international stage.