Jones believes Spain’s possession game could define the contest. Their ability to circulate the ball, move opponents out of position and defend through sustained pressure has made them particularly difficult to disrupt.
The report also highlights Spain’s strong defensive record in the tournament, another reason they enter the final with confidence. Argentina, meanwhile, have shown the character to recover from difficult positions, but Jones warns that another slow start could prove costly against a side unlikely to abandon its approach.
That creates a clear tactical challenge for Argentina: disrupt Spain early, protect the central areas and find Messi in positions where he can face the defence rather than receive the ball under pressure.
Even with Spain’s collective strengths, Messi remains the game’s most influential individual. The Argentina captain has continued to produce decisive moments during the tournament, reinforcing the belief that he can still settle the biggest matches despite facing younger opponents.
Jones’s assessment is that a victory over Spain would further strengthen Messi’s claim as the greatest player of all time. That legacy debate will add another layer to a final already carrying enormous significance for both nations.
The final has also revived questions over whether this will be Messi’s last World Cup. Jones does not rule out another appearance, saying, “I'm thinking he's gonna be involved in the next World Cup squad somehow, some way.”
That possibility remains speculative, particularly with Messi set to be in his forties by 2030. But if Argentina win, the demand for one more chapter will only grow. The immediate storyline, however, is clear: Spain’s control against Messi’s magic, with the final deciding which force prevails.