Barcelona fans torn between Messi's Argentina and Spain's Barca stars

Barcelona fans face a dilemma as Argentina (with club legend Lionel Messi) faces Spain (with eight current Barcelona players including Lamine Yamal) in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

Messi, at age 39, leads Argentina in their first World Cup title defence since Brazil in 1962, having won the 2022 World Cup and back-to-back Copa Americas.

Spain, reigning European champions, have a 37-match unbeaten run, a defence that conceded once in seven games, and have never trailed in the tournament.

Barcelona fans must choose between Messi, who made 778 appearances and scored 672 goals for the club, and Spain's eight Barcelona players including Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi.

Spain's eight Barcelona squad members equal the number from their 2010 World Cup-winning team, highlighting the club's role in Spain's current generation.