World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is a battle of mentor against protege

NEW YORK — The World Cup Final between Argentina and Spain has no shortage of storylines.Lionel Messi looking to go out on top.

Argentina seeking to go back-to-back for the first time since Brazil in 1962.Spain trying to record a record seventh clean sheet while reclaiming the title for the first time since 2010.Yet perhaps the most fascinating duel Sunday will be the story of a master and his apprentice spending 90 minutes trying to outwit one another.Spain manager Luis de la Fuente and Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni share a bond that stretches back nearly a decade, long before either man was lifting major international trophies.

In 2017, after Scaloni retired as a player, he enrolled in Spain’s coaching program at Las Rozas.One of the instructors helping shape the next generation of managers was de la Fuente.The lessons taught inside those classrooms eventually helped shape one of international soccer’s brightest coaching minds.

Now, they collide with the World Cup hanging in the balance.Not since Obi-Wan Kenobi vs.Anakin Skywalker in “Star Wars” have we seen a battle between mentor and protégé this big.After Spain shocked France 2-0 in the semifinal in Dallas, de la Fuente admitted that he hoped Argentina would join them in the Final.“I am very excited to face Argentina because I’m a very close friend of Lionel Scaloni,” de la Fuente said.

“It will be a head-to-head match between two great teams.” Built for match days and everyday wear, this officially licensed USMNT tee brings classic national pride wherever you go.Rep your favorite player in classic navy with this officially licensed tee made for diehard fans and big match energy.

Stay warm while repping the red, white, and blue in this officially licensed USMNT pullover hoodie featuring bold front and back crest graphics.Celebrate the global game in style with this FIFA World Cup 26 tee featuring all three host countries’ logos and flags.

Ri...