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The World Cup Final is here, and Lionel Messi is suiting up for Argentina against Spain in New Jersey tonight, chasing what would be an almost incomprehensible second World Cup title. At thirty-eight years old, this could genuinely be the last time the world watches him on the biggest stage, and the weight of that is real.
Officiating that historic match will be Slavko Vincic, a Slovenian referee carrying a fascinating statistical footnote into the job — he has never worked a game where Spain lost or Argentina won. Whether that means anything is anyone's guess, but you can bet both camps have noticed.
Meanwhile in the Bronx, Aaron Boone is giving Anthony Volpe the nod at shortstop for the opener of Sunday's split doubleheader against the Dodgers. Volpe missed Friday's return from the All-Star break and wasn't in Saturday's lineup before rain wiped that game out, so getting him back in the field early matters as the Yankees try to find their footing in a big series.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
