{"id":1469971,"date":"2026-07-19T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-19T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=cult-corner&p=1469971"},"modified":"2026-07-19T02:04:58","modified_gmt":"2026-07-19T01:04:58","slug":"world-cup-final-man-of-the-match-21st-century","status":"publish","type":"cult-corner","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/cult-corner\/world-cup-final-man-of-the-match-21st-century\/","title":{"rendered":"Every World Cup Final Man of the Match this century"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The 2026 World Cup<\/a> Final has arrived, with Spain<\/a> and Argentina<\/a> locking horns at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a battle between the reigning European and South American champions — not to mention the current holders — this match feels like it’ll come down to either La Roja’s mesmeric team play or La Albiceleste’s grit and tenacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, the biggest match in football will always be decided by huge performances from iconic individuals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The likes of Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Emi Martinez feel primed to step up this time around, but who have been the heroes in years past? Here is every World Cup Final Man of the Match in the 21st century.<\/p>\n\n\n