The FIFA World Cup 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 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 FIFA World Cup 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."
He added, "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."
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.