Argentina are within touching distance of an unprecedented back-to-back World Cup triumph, having booked their place in Sunday's final against Spain after a hard-fought semi-final victory over England. The question now consuming fans and pundits alike is whether Lionel Messi can lift the trophy for a second consecutive time in New York.

BBC World Service's More than the Score podcast dedicated its latest episode to breaking down Argentina's remarkable run to the final. Host Mani Djazmi brought together South American football expert Tim Vickery and ESPN Argentina journalist Francisco Canepa to examine what makes the Albicelestes so formidable at this stage of the tournament.

The Messi factor

A central theme of the discussion was how Messi's evolving role within Lionel Scaloni's squad has reshaped Argentina's fortunes. Vickery outlined how the 2022 champion is no longer carrying the team on his shoulders in the same way — instead, the group has grown around him, allowing him to influence matches in subtler, more decisive ways.

Canepa, who was in the stands in Atlanta to witness the semi-final, described the electric atmosphere and the sheer belief coursing through the Argentina support. He noted that the squad's collective resilience — on full display against England — is as much a hallmark of Scaloni's side as any individual brilliance.

Rulli's World Cup journey

The episode also features an interview with Geronimo Rulli, Argentina's Marseille goalkeeper, who is competing in his second World Cup. Rulli spoke candidly about his memories of the 2022 triumph and what it means to have a second shot at glory. He also offered insight into what it is like to play under coach Scaloni, describing a squad environment built on unity and mutual trust.

With 48 nations competing across Mexico, the United States, and Canada in this expanded tournament, More than the Score has tracked the stories that go beyond the scorelines — from breakout teams and standout individuals to the fan cultures shaping the World Cup experience. Argentina's pursuit of consecutive titles has emerged as the defining narrative of the competition.

Sunday's final against Spain promises to be one of the great occasions in football history — and for Messi, it offers the chance to write an ending that even the most imaginative storyteller would struggle to improve upon.