It will be a case of the young upstart against one of modern football’s greatest and most experienced players when Spain’s rising star Lamine Yamal faces off with Argentina’s seasoned veteran Lionel Messi as the two former champions square off in this afternoon’s FIFA World Cup final.Playing in his first World Cup, 19-year-old Yamal has just one goal and one assist to his name, but those numbers scarcely reflect his influence. The Spanish winger has been a constant thorn in the side of opposing defences, drawing markers out of position, creating space for teammates and directly winning crucial penalties.In contrast, elder statesman Lionel Messi, 39, is competing in a history-making sixth World Cup and enters the final as the joint leading scorer with eight goals. He is also tied for second in assists with four.After a slow start, Argentina has repeatedly shown its resilience, rallying from late deficits to secure dramatic victories. That fighting spirit has made the defending champions favourites to lift the trophy again, but after making pre-tournament favourites France look ordinary in the semi-finals, Spain is unlikely to make their task an easy one.The Sunday Gleaner sought predictions from members of Jamaica’s sporting fraternity ahead of the highly anticipated final at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Stafanie Taylor, Jamaica and West Indies cricketer:“The World Cup has been exciting and unpredictable on some occasions, but for the final, I have my team, Argentina, to defeat Spain and retain their title.”

David Riley, national track and field coach:“I don’t have a team in this World Cup. I have not had a team since Jamaica in 1998. If I were to support a team, it would be France. I just love France because of [Kylian] Mbappé – a talented sensible player. I just love to see that. Because Spain made France look so ordinary – France couldn’t even score in the semifinal – I’m going to have to go with Spain to win the World Cup. I think they will beat Argentina.”