In the folds of football history, the ghost of Italy's legendary 1938 side looms over the current World Cup horizon, forming both the common thread and the shared challenge between Spain and Argentina.

While Lionel Messi's teammates chase the dream of following in the footsteps of the Azzurri and the Seleção by retaining the world crown for two consecutive editions, La Roja takes up the challenge of repeating Italy's historic feat of winning with a perfect record in the first two finals they contest in their history.

The 2026 World Cup final brings together a team that wants to repeat its historic achievement of winning the title it had claimed in its first final appearance in 2010 – Spain – and a team seeking to hold onto the title it won in the previous edition, Qatar 2022 – Argentina, which aims to add a fourth star to its shirt after three previous triumphs in 1978, 1986 and 2022.

No team has won the title in its first two World Cup finals since Italy's achievement in 1934 and 1938. Moreover, Italy was the first to retain its World Cup title, a feat repeated only by Brazil by winning the 1958 and 1962 editions. This is what Argentina seeks to replicate after long decades of the curse that has often haunted the defending champion.

This unique numerical paradox pits history against the present, making Italy's 1930s achievement the key word seeking a new heir on the podiums.