Messi vows Argentina will ‍‍`give everything‍‍` in World Cup final against Spain

Lionel Messi has promised Argentina will leave nothing behind when they face Spain in Sunday‍‍`s FIFA World Cup final, with the defending champions chasing a second consecutive world title.

"We will give it our all," Messi said on Friday during what is expected to be his final public appearance before the title clash in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The Argentina captain made the remarks at Fanatics Fest in New York, where he appeared alongside some of the biggest names in world sport, including Tom Brady, Novak Djokovic and Kevin Durant. 

The event replaced FIFA‍‍`s traditional pre-final news conference, allowing fans to interact with players and coaches ahead of the final.

Spain captain Rodri paid tribute to Messi, calling him the greatest footballer of all time.

"It goes beyond words what Messi means as a player and what he means for Argentina. For me, he‍‍`s the greatest of all time," Rodri said.

During the event, Brady asked Messi about the widely shared photograph of him bathing a baby who later grew up to become Spain winger Lamine Yamal, prompting the Argentine star to describe it as "a crazy picture."

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni insisted his side remained focused despite the occasion, saying the team was treating the final as "one more game."

Argentina head into the final with a perfect 7-0 record and as the tournament‍‍`s only unbeaten side. 

Their journey has included dramatic comeback victories over Egypt in the Round of 16 and England in the semi-finals, while wins over Cape Verde and Switzerland came only after extra time.

"We never stop fighting," Messi said, reflecting on Argentina‍‍`s resilience throughout the tournament.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said the squad is determined to make the nation proud.

"We‍‍`re going to give absolutely our best, with Leo and this team, to bring the World Cup back to our country and celebrate with our people," he said.

Argentina are aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles.