They say it’s the game no one really wants to play, but by now both France and England are surely prepared mentally, emotionally, and otherwise for Saturday’s FIFA 2026 World Cup third-place play-off.

They will have accepted by now that placing third in what’s widely hailed as the Greatest Show On Earth is well worth the effort.

For sure, millions of football enthusiasts are likely to be intrigued by the contrast and contest of styles under-laid by a long history of nationalistic rivalry extending way beyond football.

And for individuals on both sides — Messrs Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane — there is the added motivation of a chance at FIFA’s prestigious Golden Boot award for most goals in this FIFA World Cup.

Then comes Sunday’s World Cup final, the game that truly matters, between enchanting Spain and ever-fighting defending champions Argentina, the team which refuses to lose — led by the brilliant, 39-year-old Mr Lionel Messi.

Spain will likely be favoured by most people after their 2-0 conquering of big pre-tournament favourites France in Tuesday’s semi-final.

It wasn’t just that France, with their vaunted attacking talent including the prolific Mr Mbappe, were beaten. They were finessed and totally outclassed by Spain in every department.

The performance, heavily reliant on superb first-touch technique, Spain’s traditional short-passing, possession style of play, and wonderful teamwork, brought back memories of the outstanding tiki-taka side which won the southern European country’s first World Cup in 2010.

Also, Spain’s dominance reminded everyone that they won the 2023 UEFA Nations League, Euro 2024, and the 2024 Olympic Gold medal. Furthermore, their World Cup semi-final triumph extended a 37-game unbeaten streak in FIFA-sanctioned international football.

But after watching Argentina’s resilience in this World Cup, no one will take the South Americans for granted on Sunday. That’s even as some harbour resentment following allegations of wrong on-field calls favouring the 2022 champions.

Not just against England in the semi final when they came back from a goal down to score twice in the final few minutes of normal time, three-time world champions Argentina have fought tooth and nail to win even when all seemed lost. Most spectacular was fighting back from two goals down, very late, to defeat Egypt.

The driving force making the essential difference on every occasion has been Mr Messi, with eight goals and four assists. His stamina during this tournament has been astonishing.

But also, the diminutive attacker, who made his World Cup debut in 2006 as a predominantly left-footed 18-year-old dribbling wizard and prolific goalscorer, has improved technically down the years to such an extent that his right foot is now an instrument for pinpoint, long-range crosses.

Now into his sixth World Cup, having been a losing finalist in 2014 and a winner in 2022, Mr Messi, magnificently supported by his teammates, continues to show a hunger that is truly awesome.

The capacity or otherwise to keep the Argentine genius quiet and away from the ball will very possibly determine whether Spain are able to claim their second hold on the FIFA World Cup.

Everywhere, the rest of us will be watching, spellbound.