Just hours before the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina , Ronaldo offered a particularly strong prediction. The two-time Brazilian world champion sees La Roja winning and believes they will easily dominate Lionel Messi 's team . The final will be played this Sunday, July 19, at New York's New Jersey Stadium. Argentina is aiming for a fourth star and a second consecutive title, while Spain is trying to reclaim the world championship, 16 years after its first triumph.
"Spain will win easily."
Ronaldo left no room for doubt when naming his favorite : "I think Spain will win the match, and easily! My favorites have always been Spain and France. I said on our last show that the winner of this semi-final would be world champion." La Roja secured their place in the final by beating France 2-0. This victory allowed them to reach their second World Cup final, after the one they won against the Netherlands in 2010.
Ronaldo impressed by Spanish football
The former Real Madrid and FC Barcelona striker emphasized the consistency of the Spanish national team's style of play. For him, their performances during this World Cup didn't appear suddenly : "I repeat: La Roja will win easily with extraordinary football. This isn't a style of play they've only used in this World Cup. They've been playing like this for a very long time. It's a philosophy that comes from Pep Guardiola." Spain enters this final on a 37-match unbeaten run in regulation time or extra time. Since their defeat against Colombia in March 2024, they have notably faced Brazil, England, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Portugal.
Argentina deemed incapable of defeating La Roja
Ronaldo believes Argentina could face significant difficulties if Spain opens the scoring. He doubts the reigning world champions' ability to regain control of the match if they fall behind : "I don't think Argentina will have the strength to come back if they are down 1-0 or 2-0 against Spain. Why? Because Spain will have possession of the ball for the entire match." La Roja boasted the best defense in the tournament before the final, having conceded only one goal throughout their run. Argentina, meanwhile, has the best attack, with 19 goals scored, compared to Spain's 13.
"This World Cup remains an absolute success."
Despite his unequivocal prediction, Ronaldo praised Argentina's performance and Lionel Messi's latest World Cup campaign : "This World Cup for Argentina remains an absolute success! They made some incredible comebacks. Lionel Messi is writing another beautiful story in a World Cup. This is a team that shows admirable character."
Argentina notably overturned a 2-1 deficit against England in the semi-final thanks to a spectacular finish. Lionel Scaloni's men have won all seven of their matches in this World Cup and could become the first team to retain their title since Brazil in 1962. Ronaldo, however, maintains his assessment: "Spain knows what it has to do in every phase of the game." For the Brazilian, La Roja's collective control and possession will be the difference against the reigning world champions.
