"Defending these colours until the very last day": Romero fires up Argentina ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 final
New York, July 19
Argentina centre-back Cristian Romero issued an emotional rallying cry to his teammates and fans just hours before the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, saying the defending champions are ready to fight "until the very last day" as they prepare to face Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday.
The Tottenham Hotspur defender shared a picture of the entire Argentina squad on X, highlighting the unity that has carried Lionel Scaloni's side to a second consecutive World Cup final.
He wrote, "Once again, defending these colours until the very last day. How beautiful it is to be part of this amazing family. Behind every training session, every effort, and every step, there is something that makes us stronger: this incredible group and a family that chose to journey together. Thank you to all the Argentines who, wherever you may be, will be with us and cheering us on tomorrow. All together once more. Let's go Argentina! @Argentina."
Romero has been a cornerstone of Argentina's defence throughout the tournament and has also made his presence felt at the other end of the pitch. The 27-year-old scored a crucial 79th-minute header in the Round of 16 against Egypt, igniting Argentina's remarkable comeback from 2-0 down before Lionel Scaloni's side completed a dramatic 3-2 victory.
The centre-back has also picked up one yellow card during the tournament while forming a formidable defensive partnership with Lisandro Martinez.
Argentina head into the final after another trademark comeback, defeating England 2-1 in the semifinals. Enzo Fernandez equalised before Lautaro Martinez struck a stoppage-time winner to send the defending champions into their seventh FIFA World Cup final.
Scaloni's men have now won 14 consecutive matches, equalling the longest winning streak by a South American nation, and are aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.
Standing in their way is a Spain side that has enjoyed a near-flawless campaign. The European champions have conceded just one goal in seven matches and became the first team in men's World Cup history to keep six clean sheets in a single edition of the tournament.
After opening with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, Spain have won six straight matches, overcoming Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France to reach their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010.
Luis de la Fuente's side also carries a 37-match unbeaten run into the decider and could set a new record for the longest unbeaten streak by a European men's national team with victory over Argentina.
With both teams boasting outstanding tournament records and the overall head-to-head standing level at six wins apiece with two draws, Sunday's showdown between the reigning Copa America champions and the reigning European champions promises to provide a fitting conclusion to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Messi may not be there, but Argentina still has that fighting spirit. Romero's passion is contagious - "defending these colours until the very last day" - that's the kind of attitude champions have. From a neutral perspective, I hope we get a cracker of a final. May the best team win! 🙌
See, this is what true leadership looks like. Romero is not just a defender, he's the heart of that team. Argentina's unity reminds me of our own Indian cricket team under Dhoni - it's not about individual brilliance, it's about the "family" as he says. Spain's defense is scary good, but I think Argentina's never-say-die attitude will make the difference. 14 consecutive wins is no joke!
I've been following this World Cup closely from Mumbai. Argentina's comeback against England in the semis was pure drama - Lautaro Martinez with that stoppage time winner? Unreal! But Spain has been defensively flawless. It's going to be a classic final. I'm predicting penalties.
Respect to Romero for that heartfelt message, but I have to say - Spain's record is absolutely terrifying. 37 matches unbeaten? Only 1 goal conceded in the entire tournament? Argentina's defense has been good but Spain's is immortal. Still, you can never write off champions. Should be a thriller! 🏆
As someone who grew up watching football in Kerala, this is the kind of final we dream about. Spain's tiki-t
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.