With only two days left until the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, Kempes, a member of Argentina's 1978 World Cup-winning team, gave an interview in which he talked about the final, Messi, and the significance of winning the World Cup.
In an interview with SUPER, Kempes predicted a closely contested final, a high-intensity match with both sides pressing high up the pitch. He emphasized that Spain would need to find a way to contain Messi, who can create threats as soon as he receives the ball. The former Valencia player hopes the Argentine captain will lift the trophy again, but he did not predict the score. He also expressed no concern that Messi would surpass Maradona and himself in the number of World Cups won: "Ours will not be erased; those titles in 1978, 1986, and 2022, and even better if we add the one in 2026."
Asking an Argentinian who he would support in the final is pointless... but for Kempes, who has achieved great success in Spanish football, would it be less painful if Spain lost?
"To be honest, if Spain wins, I'll definitely feel bad. I support Argentina. I can only wait for the result of the 90th minute, the 120th minute, or the penalty shootout. Argentina is playing, that's my country, and if they don't win, I'll feel terrible. I'm a naturalized Spaniard, but if I lose to Spain, I won't feel any better, not at all. I'll be very sad. There are three possible outcomes in football, and the middle one doesn't count in the final because it will take you to penalties. There's nothing else to say."
Who is favored to win the final in New York on Sunday, or who has a better chance of winning?
"Like I said, Argentina is the favorite for me. Maybe Argentina isn't in as much pain because they've come back from behind in the knockout stages many times, that's just how it is. But Spain has also had games where they won in the final moments. From a purely footballing perspective, it's 50-50. As a fan, like I am right now, I think Argentina is in better form."
How can Argentina contain Spain's almost endless possession? Conversely, how can Spain contain an attacking duo like Messi and Julian Alvarez?
"Spain's high pressing is excellent; every time they apply pressure, they force the opponent to lose possession. But Argentina is different... and this is the final. I don't think Spain will expend too much energy because they know the game could go on for 120 minutes. Argentina's pressing is also good and very aggressive. The game will be very close in this respect, with both sides pressing to win the ball. Under Scaloni, the team will push their defensive line forward, with the backline often pushing into midfield, and the quality of their pressing is also very good."
What about Messi?
"How can Spain contain Messi? You all know Messi; he runs the entire field and is the most dangerous player when he has the ball. The problem isn't how to mark him when he doesn't have the ball, but how to defend him once he gets the ball and starts to break through. Julian or Lautaro will have to make more sacrifices because we know Messi won't take on defensive duties; he's the one who thinks and creates opportunities in the attacking third. So the other striker, Lautaro or Julian, must continue to do what they've always done when they're on the field with Messi and sharing playing time: become Argentina's first line of defense."
Buenos Aires, 1978. You know best what it feels like for a player to win the World Cup. Is there any greater achievement in the world of football?
“Winning the World Cup is not easy, defending the title is even harder. Argentina has a great chance to do it. Spain has been away from the South Africa World Cup for many years and wants to be champions again. When that trophy is lifted and it’s someone’s turn to lift it—I hope it’s Messi—it’s like reaching for the sky, seeing if you can touch it, because it’s infinite… There is no greater achievement than that. You can win the Champions League, the league, you can win whatever you want, but winning the World Cup is the greatest.”
What are your predictions for the Spain vs. Argentina final?
"Sorry, I can't answer the last question; it's confidential (laughs)."
Let me rephrase my last question. If Messi surpasses Maradona and Kempes with two World Cups, would you consider it a bittersweet regret?
"That's clear, and we fully accept it. If that's the case, that star will belong to Argentina, and our honors won't be erased, that's right! Neither in 1978 nor 1986. Add to that the one in 2022, and if we add another one in 2026, that would be even better for us. A hug!"
