I am never going to come here and completely dismiss a World Cup final, the biggest stage in world football, simply because I personally do not like either of the two teams involved. But we have to be honest about one thing: of all the World Cup finals I have followed, this is the weakest in terms of rivalry, because there simply is not one. There is respect on both sides, perhaps even too much.
Does that mean the match will be poor? Even if it is, it is still a World Cup final. But the build-up has been underwhelming, it really is that simple. There is no trash talk, no “we’re going to show who we are” with real confidence, none of that. I do not think I am the only one who feels this way. I genuinely believe almost half of football fans around the world feel the same, because most people did not want this final.
The Yamal versus Messi storyline is not forced, but it feels more like an apprentice against the master, and for neutral fans, that just is not particularly exciting. Of course I am going to watch the final, but regardless of who wins, I will not enjoy the outcome, and I genuinely do not think I am the only one.
Conclusion
You cannot downplay a World Cup final, but this final’s build-up has genuinely lacked excitement. Of all the possible finals after the semi-finals, this is the least appealing one we could have ended up with.