Spain vs. Argentina World Cup First Goal Scorer Predictions: Best Bets to Score for Sunday, July 19

I've highlighted my favorite Spain vs. Argentina first goal-scorer plays for Sunday's World Cup final.
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after the match as he is featured in our Spain vs. Argentina World Cup first goal scorer predictions.
Pictured: Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after the match as he is featured in our Spain vs. Argentina World Cup first goal scorer predictions. Photo by Carlos Barria via Reuters.
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We have reached the World Cup Finals, and ahead of the action, I'm making my best Spain vs. Argentina first goal scorer predictions, highlighting one player on each team that has a chance to find the back of the net on Sunday. The action from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., is set for 3 p.m. ET and will air on FOX, Telemundo, and FOX One. 

Our World Cup best bets are breaking down the game from every angle. 


⚽ Spain vs. Argentina first goal scorer predictions: July 19

See all of our experts' soccer picks across the best World Cup betting sites.

💰 Player 📊 Best odds ⚖️ Wager (units)
Lionel Messi, Argentina +400 via bet365 1u -> 4u
Mikel Oyarzabal, Spain +430 via FanDuel 1u -> 4.3u

Total wagered: 2 units | Max profit: 4.3 units

⚽️ An important note on player props

Perhaps the most important note on player props for soccer is to play with an operator that has two qualities:

  • Sub On, Play On (or a variant) - when your player comes on, their direct sub picks up the prop and will cash at the same price
  • Extra time included - If your game goes beyond 90 minutes to AET, a site like bet365 will keep your prop alive

🔥 Best first goal scorer pick for Argentina

Lionel Messi (+400)

Lionel Messi has a knack for delivering in the biggest moments, making him an excellent pick to score the first goal in the World Cup Final against Spain. Argentina's attack is built around its captain, who handles penalties, free kicks, and most dangerous possessions in the attacking third.

Messi's vision, composure, and elite finishing allow him to capitalize on even the smallest defensive mistakes. Expect Argentina to look for him early as they try to seize control of the match. If the opening breakthrough comes, Messi is the most likely scorer.


🔥 Best first goal scorer pick for Spain

Mikel Oyarzabal (+430)

Mikel Oyarzabal is a strong candidate to score the first goal in the World Cup Final thanks to his intelligent movement and clinical finishing in the penalty area. Spain's attack thrives on quick passing and sustained possession, creating quality chances for Oyarzabal to exploit.

He consistently finds dangerous pockets of space and has proven he can deliver in high-pressure matches. Argentina's defense will be focused on slowing Spain's creative midfield, which could leave openings for Oyarzabal near goal. One well-timed run or quality cross could be all he needs to open the scoring.


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