Musso says Argentina still carries its childhood World Cup dream
Argentina goalkeeper Juan Musso spoke of unity and title defense before the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, according to Telemundo.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
2 min read
Juan Musso framed Argentina’s World Cup final buildup as a throwback to the dream that starts on neighborhood pitches.
The Argentine goalkeeper said before the 2026 final against Spain that the squad still sees itself as the kids who once imagined playing on the sport’s biggest stage, according to a Telemundo Deportes video published July 19, 2026.
Musso used the moment to point to Argentina’s collective strength, the bond inside the group and his respect for his teammates, Telemundo reported. The message was clear enough: Argentina is treating the final as both a dream fulfilled and a title to be protected.
The matchup carries a heavy prize for Lionel Messi’s Argentina. Telemundo described the team as trying to defend its World Cup crown and chase a second consecutive global title against Spain.
The final sits at the center of Telemundo’s 2026 World Cup coverage, which also highlighted Argentina’s arrival in New York for the chance to make history. The network’s programming around the match included live coverage of Argentina and Spain supporters gathering for the final.
A final loaded with familiar faces and big stakes
Telemundo’s surrounding coverage set the stage as a duel between the reigning champions and a Spain side chasing another star. One segment described Spain as seeking its second World Cup title with a squad full of young talent.
Spanish defender Marc Cucurella, in another Telemundo segment, said Spain knew it had a rare chance. A Spain assistant also said the team was calm and confident before the match, according to Telemundo’s coverage.
Argentina’s camp leaned into emotion as well. Former Argentina defender Roberto Ayala said in Telemundo’s pregame coverage that players would draw on the street-football roots they carry with them.
The network also revisited Messi’s World Cup past in the hours before the final, including a segment on one of his most painful moments and another on Argentina arriving in New York with the aim of winning back-to-back titles.
Musso’s comments fit that tone. Telemundo reported that he emphasized admiration for the players around him and the unity of the group, while reaffirming Argentina’s goal of holding onto the trophy.
For Argentina, the final against Spain was being presented as a shot at history. For Musso, according to Telemundo, it was also a reminder that even at the edge of a World Cup final, the dream can still feel like it did at the beginning.
This story draws on original reporting from TELEMUNDO.com.