Minister says the ‘little boy from Rosario’ could produce the magic needed to deny Spain the trophy
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has predicted that Spain will defeat Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, but believes Lionel Messi could still change the outcome.
Keyamo shared his prediction on his official social media page on Sunday, ahead of the highly anticipated final between Spain and Argentina.
According to the minister, Spain are the favourites to lift the trophy based on their performances throughout the tournament.
“Anyone who knows football very well should easily predict that Spain will beat Argentina today to win the World Cup,” Keyamo wrote.
However, he singled out Argentina captain Lionel Messi as the only player capable of upsetting his prediction.
‘Only Messi Can Change the Game’
READ ALSO:
- Spain Beat France 2-0, Reach 2026 World Cup Final
- France Calls for Calm ahead of World Cup Quarter-final against Morocco
- World Cup Final to Determine Ballon d’Or Race as Messi, Yamal Battle for Football’s Biggest Prize
Keyamo described Messi as the “little boy from Rosario,” referencing the Argentine superstar’s birthplace, and said the forward’s exceptional individual brilliance could produce the decisive moment.
“Unless there is an exceptional moment of magic by one ‘little boy from Rosario’ called Lionel Messi,” he added.
Spain and Argentina are set to face each other in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.