BBC World Service' s flagship World Cup podcast More than the Score has turned its focus to the biggest question of the summer: can Lionel Messi and Argentina retain their crown? After a dramatic semi-final win over England in Atlanta, the Albicelestes are one match away from history—and the podcast leaves no stone unturned in analysing their chances against Spain in the World Cup final.
Argentina’s road to New York
Host Mani Djazmi is joined by South American football expert Tim Vickery and ESPN Argentina' s Francisco Canepa to break down Lionel Scaloni' s side. The semi-final against England showcased Argentina’s now-familiar battling spirit, with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez overturning Anthony Gordon’s opener and sending the holders through.
Canepa, who was inside the stadium, describes the electric atmosphere in Atlanta and the belief now coursing through the squad. Vickery points to a tactical shift that has made Argentina far more than a one-man team—even with Messi still capable of moments of genius.
Messi’s evolving role
Vickery explains how Messi’s game has changed as he approaches his 39th birthday. No longer the relentless dribbler of his youth, the captain drops deeper to orchestrate play, picking passes to release the pace of Julian Alvarez and the movement of Lautaro Martinez. “He dictates the tempo now,” Vickery notes. “It’s a more economical role, but it allows others to shine—and he is still deciding games.”
The result is a more cohesive unit, one that has scored 14 goals en route to the final and conceded only twice since the group stage. That balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair is what makes Scaloni’s team so difficult to beat.
Inside the camp with Rulli
The podcast also features an interview with Geronimo Rulli, the Marseille goalkeeper who was part of the 2022 triumph. Rulli shares his memories of that Qatar victory and reveals the secret behind Argentina' s togetherness under Scaloni. “He treats everyone equally—whether you’re Messi or the third-choice goalkeeper,” Rulli says. “That creates an incredible family atmosphere.”
Scaloni’s man-management has been a cornerstone of Argentina’s success. The coach has navigated the pressure of being defending champions and the weight of a nation’s expectations to guide his team to a second consecutive final.
A final for the ages
Now only Spain stand in the way of a third star for Argentina. Luis de la Fuente’s young side has dazzled with their possession football and pace in transition, but Vickery believes Argentina’s experience in big moments gives them an edge. “They have been here before. Messi knows this is his last dance, and the team will run through walls for him.”
Whether Argentina can join Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962) as the only nations to win back-to-back World Cups will be decided on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. The More than the Score podcast captures all the nuance and emotion of a tournament that has delivered drama in every round—and a final that promises to be unforgettable.
