FIFA World Cup

Inside Inter Miami: World Cup final preview of Argentina vs. Spain showdown

So, after five weeks of drama, record crowds, celebrations, heartbreak and some controversies, the 2026 World Cup comes down to this weekend with what could be a final for the ages: Lionel Messi and defending champion Argentina against European champion Spain.

This final is so scintillating that it is the most expensive U.S. sporting event on record, with an average purchase price of $11,327, according to ticket marketplace TickPick.

The biggest purchase on TickPick is currently two tickets in Section 115A, Row 21 for $28,479 a ticket ($56,958 total). The cheapest ticket available as of Wednesday was going for $7,451.

In this week’s special World Cup final preview episode of Inside Inter Miami podcast, Apple TV analyst Lori Lindsey, a former U.S. women’s national team player, helps us break down the matchup and the road each team took to get here.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 21: Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain celebrates with teammate Rodri #16 after scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at Atlanta Stadium on June 21, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 21: Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain celebrates with teammate Rodri #16 after scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at Atlanta Stadium on June 21, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) Justin Setterfield Getty Images

Will the trophy go to Argentina, an emotional team with a passionate fan base that needed late-game heroics and Messi magic to get through each of the knockout rounds, or will it be Spain, the calm, clinical team which has allowed just one goal through seven World Cup matches?

Tune in here, or on YouTube, Apple podcasts or Spotify. Enjoy the show and enjoy the World Cup final!

This story was originally published July 16, 2026 at 4:15 PM.

Related Stories from Miami Herald
Michelle Kaufman
Miami Herald
Miami Herald sportswriter Michelle Kaufman has covered 14 Olympics, six World Cups, Wimbledon, U.S. Open, NCAA Basketball Tournaments, NBA Playoffs, Super Bowls and has been the soccer writer and University of Miami basketball beat writer for 25 years. She was born in Frederick, Md., and grew up in Miami.
Sports Pass is your ticket to Miami sports
#ReadLocal

Get in-depth, sideline coverage of Miami area sports - only $1 a month

VIEW OFFER