Lewandowski reveals why he cheered Spain over Messi’s Argentina in 2026 World Cup final

Robert Lewandowski has admitted he was backing Spain – and not Lionel Messi’s Argentina – in the 2026 World Cup final, saying La Roja were “clearly superior” and could have won by a bigger margin.

Spain beat Argentina 1-0 to secure their second World Cup title, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. Lewandowski, now with MLS side Chicago Fire and formerly of Barcelona, was seen celebrating the goal alongside Spanish greats David Villa, Iker Casillas, Fernando Llorente and Xavi.

Speaking to ESPN, the former Poland captain gave a candid assessment of the showpiece match and his reasons for supporting Spain.

“It wasn’t the most exciting final. The pitch was slow, and it wasn’t the best way to play,” Lewandowski said. “Spain were superior, and they could have won the match earlier or by a bigger margin.”

‘I was supporting Spain – Messi has already won it’

Lewandowski explained that his time at Barcelona and his close ties with Spanish football shaped his loyalties on the night.

“They controlled the game all the time, and they had the ball constantly. I was supporting Spain, because I spent years in Barcelona and I have many friends there, so I supported them a lot,” he said.

“As for Argentina, I was only supporting Messi, but he already won the last World Cup, and that’s why I wanted Spain to win.”

Spain’s narrow victory delivered their second world title and prompted widespread praise from former players for both their sporting attitude and their distinctive, possession-based style of play.

During and after the final, ex-professionals highlighted the young squad’s composure and tactical discipline as key reasons behind their success in securing another star on the national-team shirt.

‘A young team that can win another World Cup’

Lewandowski believes Spain’s current generation has the potential to dominate on the global stage for years to come.

“It’s a young team, and they can still win another World Cup,” he said. “I enjoyed the football and Spain’s victory.”

He pointed to their unity and collective work as the foundation of their triumph, stressing that Spain’s strength lay beyond individual talent.

“The advantage in Spain is the team spirit, and they helped Lamine to win, and he in turn contributed to the team’s victory,” he added.

Lewandowski on Lamine Yamal: ‘It was very difficult for him’

The Polish striker also discussed the tournament displays of Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal, who arrived at the World Cup after an injury lay-off.

“He did not produce his best performance, but it was extremely difficult,” Lewandowski said. “He was recovering from an injury that kept him out for eight weeks, and then he couldn’t train much because of the matches being played every three days.”

Despite those physical and scheduling challenges, Lamine still managed to play his part in Spain’s run to the title, supported by what Lewandowski described as a tightly knit squad willing to work for one another.

Spain’s World Cup campaign, built on high pressing, possession and a solid defensive structure, has fuelled optimism that this young core – complemented by emerging talents such as Lamine – could usher in a new era of sustained success for La Roja.