Inter Milan's World Cup final tradition since 1982 stays intact after Lautaro Martinez starts for Argentina vs Spain

Lautaro Martinez started for Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain, keeping Inter Milan's tradition of having a player in the World Cup final since 1982 intact.

Martinez was the only Inter Milan player in the 2026 final, as he was in the 2022 final in Qatar.

Since 1982, 11 Inter Milan players have started in World Cup finals across 11 editions.

Inter Milan's run of having a player in every World Cup final since 1982 matches the previous streak of Bayern Munich, which ended in the 2026 semifinals.

Argentina seek their fourth World Cup title, which would tie them with Germany and Italy, while Spain aim for their second title after 2010.