Mario Alberto Kempes knows exactly what it takes to win a World Cup. He did it in 1978, beating the Netherlands in the final. Kempes finished as the tournament’s top scorer and one of Argentina’s standout stars. Speaking with AS, he breaks down what could happen in today’s final, which sees the Argentines face Spain, the country where the former Valencia striker spent much of his club career.

What is it like to play in a World Cup final? Talk us through the experience.

First of all, you have to understand that you’ve done well to get this far - but if you want to go all the way, you have to do everything exceptionally well because it’s the last game, the decisive one, the match that can put you on the top step of the podium or leave you one step short. Winning a World Cup is never easy, and repeating as champions is even harder. Argentina has a chance to do it, and for me they’re the favorites. If [Lionel] Messi lifts the trophy, it’ll be absolute soccer heaven. There’s nothing bigger than that.

Is a final really that different from any other match?

It’s not just another game. It’s a final, and finals are always difficult. There’s enormous pressure, so much at stake, and you have to know how to handle those moments.

An Argentina-Spain final has to be the most emotional possible matchup for you, right?

I’m Argentine. Spanish fans embraced me, especially the supporters at Valencia, but as an Argentine I’ll always stand with Argentina. I think it’s going to be a fascinating match, a clash between two teams that are outstanding on the ball. Both sides will press high and try to prevent the other from building out from the back. They’ll look to win possession in advanced areas and make life difficult from the opening whistle. One thing is certain: those of us watching from the outside are going to suffer. Argentines and Spaniards alike. But it should be a great game.

Did you expect the World Cup final to be Spain against Argentina?

Argentina has been through some difficult moments because they’ve had to come from behind in three matches. That shows they know how to suffer and how to fight their way back into a game. Spain, meanwhile, has managed to finish off its matches within the 90 minutes, winning two of them close to the end. All of that points to a very evenly matched final. I think Argentina might have a slight edge because if they fall behind, they know exactly how to turn a game around.

Did you expect Messi to reach the World Cup in this kind of form?

None of us did, myself included. I thought he’d need to have a conversation with the coach about how many minutes he could play. Instead, he’s found a second youth, and that’s been fantastic for him. He’s playing in a league that’s very different from Europe, where the systems are more rigid and the demands are relentless, where it’s always win, win, win. In Miami, he can enjoy life, spend time with his family, go wherever he wants, and I think that’s helped him arrive fresh, eager, and highly motivated.

Does Spain have enough weapons to believe it can win the final?

Spain absolutely has reasons to believe. First of all, it has quality players who are very comfortable in possession and a dangerous midfield. They haven’t scored many goals, but they haven’t conceded many either. I think they’re going to be a very tough opponent.

Ready to suffer?

Hopefully it won’t come to that.

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