With only two days left until the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, Kempes, a member of Argentina's 1978 FIFA World Cup-winning team, was interviewed. During the interview, he spoke about the final, Messi, and the significance of winning the FIFA World Cup.

In an interview with SUPER, Kempes predicted a closely contested final with high intensity and both teams pressing high. Spain, he noted, would need to find a way to limit Messi, who can create danger as soon as he receives the ball. The former Valencia player hopes the Argentine captain will lift the trophy again, but he did not offer a score prediction. He is also not concerned about Messi surpassing Maradona and himself in FIFA World Cup titles: "Our achievements won't be erased; the titles from 1978, 1986, and 2022, and it would be even better if we added another in 2026."

Asking an Argentine whom they will support in a final is meaningless... but for Kempes, who achieved great success in Spanish football, would it be less painful if Spain lost?

"To be honest, it would definitely be tough if Spain won. I support Argentina. We can only wait for the result after 90 minutes, 120 minutes, or a penalty shootout. Argentina is playing, that's my country, and if they don't win, I'll be very upset. I am a naturalized Spaniard, but losing to Spain wouldn't make it any easier, far from it. I would be very sad. In football, there are three outcomes, the middle one doesn't count in a final because it leads to a penalty shootout. There's nothing else to say."

Who is favored, or who has a better chance of winning the final in New York on Sunday?

"As I said, for me, Argentina are the favorites. Perhaps Argentina won't suffer as much, because they've come back in many knockout matches, that's just how it is. But Spain has also won matches at the last minute. In terms of football, it's 50-50. As a fan, like I am now, I think Argentina is in better form."

How should Argentina limit Spain's almost relentless possession? And conversely, how should Spain limit an attacking combination like Messi and Alvarez?

"Spain presses very well, and every time they apply pressure, they can make the opponent lose the ball. But Argentina is different... and this is the final. I don't think Spain will exert too much energy because they know the game could go to 120 minutes. Argentina's pressing is also good, very aggressive. The game will be close on this point, with both teams pressing to win the ball. Under Scaloni, the team pushes its defensive line forward, with defenders often pressing into midfield, and the quality of their pressing is also very good."

What about Messi?

"How should Spain limit Messi? You all know Messi, he runs all over the field, and when he has the ball, he is the most dangerous player. 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 dribble. Julian or Lautaro will have to make more sacrifices, because we all know Messi won't take on defensive duties; he's responsible for thinking and creating plays upfront with the ball. So the other striker, Lautaro or Julian, must continue to do what they've been doing when they share playing time with Messi, which is to be Argentina's first line of defense."

Buenos Aires, 1978. You know best, having experienced it firsthand, what does it feel like for a player to win the FIFA World Cup? Can there be a greater achievement in the football world?

"Winning the FIFA World Cup is not easy, and defending it is even harder. Argentina has a great chance to do it. Many years have passed since Spain's FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and they also want 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 to see if you can touch it, because it's infinite... There is no greater achievement. You can win the Champions League, the league, whatever you want, but winning the FIFA World Cup is the greatest."

What is your prediction for this final between Spain and Argentina?

"Sorry, I can't answer that last question, it's a secret (laughs)."

Then let me rephrase the last question. If Messi surpasses Maradona and Kempes with two FIFA World Cups, would you consider it a bittersweet regret?

"That's clear, we totally accept it. If that happens, that star will belong to Argentina, and our honors won't be erased, absolutely! Neither 1978 nor 1986. Add 2022 to that, and if there's another in 2026, that would be even better for us. A hug!"

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