What happened: Before Messi committed to Argentina's national team, Spain attempted to recruit him. More than 20 years later, the two federations meet in the World Cup final.

Why it matters: The matchup closes a loop that stretches back to Messi's youth, when Spain saw him as a prospect before Argentina claimed him. It also sets up a generational meeting: Messi, now 39, faces a Spain side led by Lamine Yamal, a player he once held as a baby at a 2007 photo shoot.

What to watch: Argentina and Spain meet in the World Cup final, with Messi and Yamal on opposite sides.