Last Updated:July 20, 2026, 00:51 IST
Alcaraz entered the field alongside South Korean actress Hoyeon, Andrés Iniesta and Mario Kempes before presenting the trophy to the fans inside the packed stadium.
Carlos Alcaraz unveils FIFA World Cup trophy ahead of Spain-Argentina final. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Spanish tennis superstar Carlos Alcaraz added star power to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday (July 19) by unveiling the iconic FIFA World Cup trophy ahead of the much-anticipated clash between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium. Alcaraz entered the field alongside South Korean actress Hoyeon, Spanish football legend Andrés Iniesta and Argentine great Mario Kempes before presenting the trophy to the fans inside the packed stadium.
Spain vs Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
The video of Alcaraz walking onto the pitch with the coveted trophy quickly went viral across social media, with fans praising the crossover between two of Spain’s biggest sporting icons.
Defending champions Argentina are chasing back-to-back World Cup titles and looking to become only the third nation in history to successfully defend the trophy, while Spain are seeking their first world crown since their triumph in South Africa in 2010.
Spain won their maiden FIFA World Cup by defeating the Netherlands 1-0 after extra time in Johannesburg, with Iniesta scoring the famous winning goal.
Messi creates history
Messi etched his name in football history on Sunday by becoming only the second player ever to feature in three FIFA World Cup finals. The 39-year-old Argentine superstar is playing in his third World Cup final on Sunday.
Messi previously appeared in the FIFA World Cup finals against Germany in 2014 at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro and against France in the 2022 final at Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
Before Messi, only former Brazil captain Cafu had played in three FIFA World Cup finals. The legendary right-back represented Brazil in the finals of the 1994, 1998 and 2002 editions against Italy, France and Germany respectively.
However, Messi has achieved another unique milestone by becoming the first player in history to start three FIFA World Cup finals. Cafu started the 1998 and 2002 finals but came on as a first-half substitute during Brazil’s 1994 final against Italy at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
Messi is also captaining Argentina in the 2026 final, having previously led La Albiceleste in the 2014 and 2022 finals. He is now the first and only player to captain a team in three FIFA World Cup finals.
Football greats such as Diego Maradona, Dunga and Hugo Lloris captained their nations in two World Cup finals, but none managed to do so on three occasions.
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How many World Cup finals has Lionel Messi played?
Lionel Messi has played in three FIFA World Cup finals. He previously appeared in the finals against Germany in 2014 and against France in 2022. His third final appearance was in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain.
What records did Messi break in this World Cup?
Lionel Messi broke the record for most assists in FIFA World Cup history with 9 assists. He also became the oldest outfield player to appear in a men’s FIFA World Cup final at 39 years old.
About the Author
Harshit BishtSenior Sub-editor
Harshit Bisht is a sports journalist at CNN-News18, where he has been covering cricket, football, and major sporting events from around the world since July 1, 2024. Driven by a passion for storytelli…Read More
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