World Cup Predictions Today 19 July: Messi To Win It For Argentina

Here are our World Cup predictions today ahead of Spain vs Argentina, along with the latest odds, betting tips and best bets before Sunday's FIFA World Cup final.

After a month of unforgettable drama, only two teams remain in the battle to become world champions.

Spain have been one of the tournament's standout performers, producing composed displays throughout the knockout rounds to deservedly reach the final.

Luis de la Fuente's side opened their knockout campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Austria before edging past Portugal thanks to Mikel Merino's stoppage-time winner.

Merino once again proved the hero in the quarter-finals, scoring a late winner against Belgium in a dramatic 2-1 success before Spain delivered arguably their most complete performance of the competition by defeating France 2-0 in the semi-finals.

Those impressive displays have seen the latest Spain World Cup Odds continue to shorten, while the wider World Cup Odds suggest La Roja enter the final as slight favourites with most UK Betting Sites.

Argentina, meanwhile, have taken a far more dramatic route to the final.

Lionel Scaloni's side required extra time to overcome both Cape Verde and Switzerland before surviving another thrilling encounter against Egypt, eventually prevailing 3-2.

Their remarkable resilience was on display once again in the semi-finals against England.

Trailing 1-0 until the 85th minute, Argentina looked to be heading out before Enzo Fernandez equalised with a stunning strike.

Lautaro Martinez then completed another extraordinary comeback by heading home the winning goal deep into stoppage time to send the reigning world champions into another World Cup final.

Those late escapes have only strengthened the latest Argentina World Cup Odds, while Lionel Messi remains just behind Kylian Mbappe in the World Cup Golden Boot Odds heading into the biggest game of the tournament.

World Cup Predictions Today: Spain vs Argentina

This has all the ingredients of a classic World Cup final.

Spain have controlled matches brilliantly throughout the knockout rounds, combining patient possession with defensive discipline and an ability to produce decisive moments when required.

Their victory over France demonstrated exactly why many now regard them as the tournament's most complete team.

Argentina, however, have repeatedly shown that they never know when they are beaten.

Scaloni's side have recovered from difficult situations throughout the knockout stage, finding crucial goals against Egypt, Switzerland and England when elimination appeared inevitable.

Messi continues to orchestrate attacks with his trademark quality, while Lautaro Martinez has developed a habit of delivering in the biggest moments.

With both nations boasting world-class talent and immense experience on football's biggest stage, another tense and dramatic contest looks inevitable.

Argentina's incredible resilience could prove decisive once again, with the reigning champions edging another unforgettable final.

Predicted score: Argentina 3-2 Spain (AET)

Spain vs Argentina Betting Tips & Best Bets

Below, we have picked out three of our best Spain vs Argentina bets to back ahead of Sunday's World Cup final.

All odds taken from Betnero at 09:00 UK time on Sunday, 19 July 2026.

Argentina To Win After Extra Time – 13.00

Our first selection is Argentina to retain the World Cup after another extra-time thriller.

The South Americans have already gone beyond 90 minutes twice during the knockout rounds and have repeatedly shown their ability to deliver under immense pressure.

With Spain unlikely to give much away, another marathon contest offers excellent value.

Lionel Messi Anytime Goalscorer – 2.71

Next, we are backing Lionel Messi to score at any time.

The Argentina captain continues to influence the biggest matches and remains firmly in contention for the tournament's Golden Boot.

Few players thrive under pressure quite like Messi, making him an attractive anytime goalscorer selection in the World Cup final.

Penalty And Sending Off – Yes/Yes – 9.00

Finally, we are backing both a penalty and a red card to occur during the match.

World Cup finals are often tense, emotional affairs where every challenge carries huge significance.

With two fiercely competitive teams battling for football's biggest prize, the combination of a VAR-awarded penalty and a dismissal represents an intriguing value selection at generous odds.