Expanded 2026 North American World Cup: Spain's 'diligent' performance to Messi's enduring legacy

Eve Irvine is pleased to welcome Robbie Knock, Lead Commentator and sports journalist. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be remembered not only for Spain's triumph on the pitch but also for the way football became enmeshed in politics, entertainment, institutional scrutiny, and the closing chapter of one of the sport's greatest careers. Robbie Knock argues that Spain's victory was the product of tactical superiority rather than fortune, while acknowledging that controversial refereeing decisions complicated perceptions of the tournament. He also presents Lionel Messi's expected international farewell as the conclusion of a defining era in world football, emphasising that dignity in defeat may ultimately reinforce rather than diminish his legacy. #Messi #Spain #FIFAWORLDCUP 🔔 Subscribe to France 24 now: https://f24.my/YTen 🔴 LIVE - Watch FRANCE 24 English 24/7 here: https://f24.my/YTliveEN 🌍 Read the latest International News and Top Stories: https://www.france24.com/en/ Like us on Facebook: https://f24.my/FBen Follow us on X: https://f24.my/Xen Bluesky: https://f24.my/BSen and Threads: https://f24.my/THen Browse the news in pictures on Instagram: https://f24.my/IGen Discover our TikTok videos: https://f24.my/TKen Get the latest top stories on Telegram: https://f24.my/TGen