2026 FIFA World Cup

Spain vs Argentina World Cup Player Prop Predictions - Messi & Yamal can play starring roles; Paredes card value

Andrew Hendrie

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Last updated: Fri 17 Jul 2026 04:13

Andrew Hendrie 2 hours ago

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Spain vs Argentina player prop predictions for Sunday's World Cup final
Messi and Yamal feature for anytime goal or assist
Fiesty Argentine midfielder Paredes offers value in the card markets

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Spain vs Argentina World Cup Player Prop Predictions

It all comes down to this as Spain and Argentina collide in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday - and we've picked out four player prop bets to back ahead of the big game.

It's shaping as a blockbuster showdown, with Spain gunning for their second World Cup trophy and Argentina aiming to go back-to-back after edging out France on penalties in 2022.

Both teams are equipped with superstar talents, headlined by Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, both of whom feature for our prop bets - along with some value plays surrounding a couple of Argentine midfielders.

Read on below for our best player prop predictions and reasoning behind each selection.

Lionel Messi - Anytime Goal or Assist

Lionel MessiTo Score Or Assist$1.96 - Bet Here

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Even though Spain have conceded just one goal for the entire World Cup, you just have to include Messi here.

The GOAT has a staggering 12 goal involvements in his six appearances at this tournament, scoring eight and providing four assists. Messi was on hand with two late assists to sink England in the semi-finals and had scored eight goals prior to that game.

This will be Messi's toughest assignment yet, but if this World Cup has taught as anything, it's that you simply cannot count out the 39-year-old master.

Lamine Yamal - Anytime Goal or Assist

Lamine YamalTo Score Or Assist$2.30 - Bet Here

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Yamal has been playing at about 50% of his peak level after dealing with injury pre-tournament, but obviously the teenage sensation will leave it all out there for the final.

The best players step up in the big games and Yamal could be set to explode here. He's had 15 shots in the knockout phase and was unlucky to have a goal ruled out for offside in the semi-finals against France.

His electric pace and fleet of foot down the wing also means he's an assist threat for centre forward Mikel Oyarzabal, while he could also win a penalty - like he did against Lucas Digne of France.

Enzo Fernandez - 1+ Shots On Target

Enzo Fernandez 1+Shots On Target$2.75 - Bet Here

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Messi had been carrying this Argentina side on his back, but Fernandez has stepped up and raised his level over the last couple of games in the knockout phase.

Fernandez has registered at least one shot on target in three of his four knockout appearances and scored a brilliant goal from long-range to equalise against England in the semi-finals.

With Spain's strong defence and ability to snuff out clear-cut chances, I wouldn't be surprised if Fernandez tries his luck from distance again to work the keeper.

Leandro Paredes To Be Carded

Leandro ParedesPlayer To Be Carded$3.60 - Bet Here

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Paredes plays the enforcer role in central midfield for this Argentina side and is a weapon.

He does the dirty work and will be out to ruffle a few feathers against this dominant Spanish midfield.

Don't be surprised if he tries a bit of the dark arts in a bid to upset Rodri and co. Paredes received a yellow card in four of his last eight games at club level this season and has committed 2+ fouls in his last two games against Switzerland and England.

He picked up a yellow in the group stage against Austria and will be made to work extremely hard to win the ball from Spain here.