Lionel Messi is the overwhelming favourite among Betano users heading into Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain, with 82% backing Argentina to retain the trophy.
Argentina reached the final after a dramatic comeback victory over England in the semifinal, keeping Messi and his teammates on course for historic consecutive World Cup glory.
Spain enter the match as favourites with many bookmakers, priced at -164 to lift the trophy, while Argentina are listed as +134 underdogs heading into the championship clash.
Prediction market platform Kalshi gives Spain a 58.1% chance of winning the final, with Argentina sitting at 42.7% as the two nations prepare to meet on Sunday.
If Argentina win, they would become the third team in history to win back-to-back World Cups and the first team to win four consecutive major international titles.
Messi has not scored in his last two matches at the tournament but has contributed three assists, including two in the semifinal victory over England, proving his influence remains decisive.
The Argentine captain is also on course to make individual history at the tournament, sitting as the heavy favourite to claim the Golden Ball award as the best player of the competition.
Kalshi lists Messi at 90% probability to win the Golden Ball, while FanDuel Sportsbook prices him at -1000, making him one of the most dominant favourites seen in recent tournament history.
Spain midfielder Rodri is currently the closest challenger to Messi in the Golden Ball market, priced at +600 at FanDuel, though the gap between the two remains substantial.
The final sets up a compelling contest between a Spanish side brimming with confidence and an Argentine team driven by Messi’s relentless pursuit of a second World Cup winners medal.
With Betano user sentiment firmly behind Argentina and the individual betting markets almost entirely backing Messi for the Golden Ball, Sunday’s final promises to be one of the most anticipated matches in recent football history.
