Antonio Banderas backs Spain ahead of FIFA World Cup final, calls Argentina "brother people"
Madrid, July 19
The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina has caught the attention of fans across the world, and actor Antonio Banderas has shared a heartfelt message ahead of the much-awaited clash.
While backing his home country, Spain, the Spanish actor also spoke about his deep admiration for Argentina and hoped that the match would celebrate friendship and respect.
The 'Pain' and 'Glory' actor, on Sunday, shared a long note on X ahead of the final, saying he wanted Spain to win but also wished for football to bring the two nations closer.
Calling Spain and Argentina "two brother peoples," Banderas wrote, "Hello friends. Today is the final of the FIFA World Cup. Naturally, I want Spain to win, but also soccer and everything that unites our two countries. For a while, Spain and Argentina will be rivals. Afterwards they will return to being what they have always been to me: two brother peoples."
He also spoke about his close connection with Argentina. Saying he would continue to admire the country's artists, footballers and his many friends there, Banderas wrote, "It might sound silly to say this, but I feel the need to express that, whatever happens, I will continue to admire the immense Argentine artists with whom I have had the privilege of working, I will continue to admire their soccer players and, of course, I will continue to love my many friends from Argentina and an entire country to which I feel deeply connected."
"Sport has that wonderful ability to pit us against each other without dividing us, to compete without ceasing to respect each other and to remind us that true victory should never belong to hate, but to admiration. May the best team win," he added.
Spain and Argentina will face each other in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (local time). Spain are looking to win their first World Cup title since 2010, while defending champions Argentina are aiming to lift the trophy for the second tournament in a row after beating England 2-1 in the semifinal. Spain booked their place in the final with a 2-0 win over France.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Banderas calling them "brother peoples" really hits home. In India, we know what it's like to have cultural ties with neighboring nations that sometimes get strained by sports rivalries. But at the end of the day, football unites. Argentina's defense has been solid, but Spain's midfield is world-class. Should be a cracker of a final!
This is the kind of sportsmanship we need more of. Banderas is a class act. I'm rooting for Spain because of their style, but Argentina deserve respect. Reminds me of the India-Pakistan cricket matches where we shake hands after the game. Let's celebrate football, not divide over it 🏃♂️🌍
Lovely words from Antonio, but let's be real for a moment: Argentina are the defending champions and Spain have been inconsistent. I think Argentina will win 2-1, but Banderas is right that the rivalry should stay on the pitch. In India, we get so passionate about cricket that we sometimes forget the opponent is human too. Respect for this message 🙏
As a neutral fan from Canada (originally from India), I'm just excited for a great final! Banderas' note is refreshing in a world where sports rivalries often get toxic. Both teams have amazing players. But honestly, I wish more celebrities used their platforms like this - spreading unity instead of hype 🇮🇳⚽
Beautiful message but I can't help feeling that in India, we rarely see such grace from our celebrities when it comes to rivalries like India vs Pakistan
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