Rafael Nadal has backed Spain to beat Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup final, saying he believes La Roja have what it takes to lift the trophy in what promises to be a blockbuster clash against Lionel Messi’s side.
The tennis great, who retired from professional tennis in 2024 after winning 22 Grand Slam titles, remains a keen football follower and will be watching from home as Spain chase a second World Cup title, to add to their triumph in 2010.
“I’m confident we’re going to win,” Nadal said, while acknowledging the threat posed by the reigning champions.
In an emotional message posted on social media, Nadal recalled Spain’s success at the 2010 tournament in South Africa. “Football has been one of my greatest passions ever since I was a kid,” he wrote in Spanish. “I’ve always enjoyed playing the game, watching matches and cheering on our national team. I still remember the incredible feeling of being in South Africa for the 2010 World Cup final. We’ll never forget it. Tomorrow we’ll have another chance to enjoy one of those historic matches, against an Argentina team, and a country, I deeply respect and admire. Best of luck to the team. Vamos, Espana.”
Nadal’s ties to football run deep. His uncle, Miguel Angel Nadal, represented Spain at three World Cups and had a successful club career with Barcelona and Mallorca. Speaking to Spanish radio station El Partidazo de COPE, Nadal said he would watch the final with his family and predicted a tight contest between two of the tournament’s strongest sides.
“Argentina will play to their strengths,” he said. “We saw that in the semi-final against England. The first half was not very attractive, but after England scored, Argentina started showing the brilliant football they are capable of playing.”
Even so, Nadal said Spain’s focus should remain on their own game rather than their opponents. “I think it’s a match where each team will use its own strengths. We have ours, and they are considerable,” he said. “We have to forget about what the others are doing and play at the level we have been playing throughout the World Cup. If we manage to maintain that level, it will be very difficult for them.”
He also praised Luis de la Fuente’s side for their steady improvement through the tournament, saying they were peaking at the right time against opponents who arrive as world champions.
Despite his allegiance, Nadal expressed genuine respect for Argentina and head coach Lionel Scaloni, revealing a personal friendship with the coach. “I have a very good relationship with Leo. I know him personally, and the way he communicates is phenomenal,” he said. “What he has done with the national team is incredibly impressive. I also have many Argentine friends.”
Nadal admitted that while his support lay firmly with Spain, defeat to Argentina would be easier to accept than losing to anyone else. “Obviously, I’m going to support Spain with everything I have,” he said. “But if I lose a final, losing it to Argentina, with all the friends and acquaintances I have there, it would be easier to accept. If there is anyone I want to lose to, let it be them and their coach.”
Spain reached the final with a 2-0 win over France in the semi-finals, while Argentina edged past England 2-1, with Messi providing two assists in the win.
