PTI - The World Cup is Among Us, Spain vs Argentina!

Episode Date: July 17, 2026

Frank Isola and Mina Kimes discuss the World Cup preview, France vs England in 3rd place game, Heat wants LeBron, British Open 2nd round, Donald might skip camp + more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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But I'm Frank Isola. You know, yesterday, Mina claim we're not close friends. Tell them the truth, Mina. I'm Mina Kimes. And I was kidding. You're my bestie, Fred. Did you say Fred? It's Fred, right?

You have called me Tony in the past. Fredo? You just would throw out an Italian name. Leonardo, something like that. You always would go with Tony. Kind of close friends. Welcome to PTI, everyone. Mike and Tony are still at Greco-Roman wrestling camp.

So I'm joined by my great friend from NFL Live and the Mina Kimes show featuring Lenny, Mina Kimes. Yeah, I got to go. Wow, you must be paying them. All right, let's start with Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. Spain has allowed just one goal in the entire tournament while the defending champs score often and late.

Mina, who should win on Sunday, Spain or Argentina? It's pretty clearly Spain, right? I mean, they're the better team, they're the more complete team, they're the more tested team in the tournament, and for all the attention we give to the scoring and Yamal and the passing, which is incredible best in class. They have the potential, Frank, to go down as one of,

if not the best defending teams in the history of the World Cup. You mentioned it. They've only given up a single goal all tournament long, and according to the athletic, they have given up fewer expected goals, which accounts for shot quality, than any finalist ever. And they're doing it while maintaining their aggression, unlike some of Argentina's other opponents, who will remain unnamed. But you know who you are, England. So while Messi is the best player in the tournament, I think he will be recognized as such.

Spain is a better team, and it's a team sport. Yeah, I think you're right. And if you look over the last four years, these are the two best teams. Argentina is the defending World Cup champs. They've also won Cop America and then Spain or the reigning Euro champ. So we're getting the two best teams. But to your point, you know, Argentina, which has done a great job,

in all their knockout games, they never had a lead at 90 minutes. It was either the equalized or the game-winning goal afterward. It's amazing what they've been able to do. But they have conceded six goals in the knockout round, and Spain has only given up one, and you're 100% right as well. because when Spain took a lead against France, they didn't sit back. In fact, their second goal came from Pedro Porro, who's their right back. So their ability to possess the ball, keep possession, it frustrates opponent.

So, Mina, that's why even if they do take a lead, they're not going to do what England did. They're just not going to defend. They're going to be aggressive and keep the ball. Yeah, more of their possessions start in the attacking third than any team in the tournament, which is, again, all the more incredible when you consider the fact that they've had these leads. I also think just the way they're built presents unique problems for Argentina. They love to run their offense

through the middle through Messi. The middle has been a no-fly zone in Spain with a Spanish team because of Roder. I do wonder if Argentina might change up some of their tactics, maybe have Messi attack from the wing the way we saw against England. And I'll say this about Messi. I don't

want to count him out, but I do want to make a point. Even if they don't win this, he's still the goat, right? He doesn't need this consecutive World Cup win to have of the title. Yeah, all right. So, you know, he spent 17 years in Barcelona, so he knows a lot of those players. There's a lot of Barcelona players on Spain. A couple of things to keep in mind, and you mentioned Messi. If you go back to 2016 at MetLife Stadium, where the game will be on Sunday, I know for the tournament they're calling it New York, New Jersey Stadium, he missed a big penalty

in the Copa America Final against Chile. He decided after that game, he was so frustrated, he said, I'm retiring. They convinced him to come back. I mean, every call has kind of gone his way since he's come back. But he has won two Copa Americas, and he's won a World Cup final, and he's going up against Laminumal. We've talked about it before. Now, Laminumal did not practice yesterday with Spain, which I'm a little concerned, and I'm telling you, Mina, Argentina are tough. They went after Jude Bellihan. They're going to go after Laminumal early in this game. That cute little picture of Messi and Lillemian Mal. He's not going to mean much. They're going to try to throw him off his game by being physical and running their mouths,

which is what Argentina does. I agree. And it still might not matter because they have so many other talented players on Spain. All right. Before we get to Sunday's final, we have Saturday's thrilling third place game. France and England will face each other in the consolation affair with the winning side taking home an additional $2 million. Frank, should FIFA's bronze medal game still exist? Yes, it should exist because it's for the fans. And I understand the managers don't like it. The club teams that these guys play for don't like it. The players don't seem to like it.

Alan Shearer, the famous striker from England many moons ago. He's now a pundit. He said it's utterly ridiculous that they play this game. A, there is prize money at stake. And it is France against England. It's the first time we've ever had two teams in the top five playing in third place. But more importantly, I'm already suffering withdrawal from the World Cup. It's going to be gone by Sunday.

I want to watch one more game. And guess what? Usually the big star players play. Once they take the pitch, then the competitive juices start flowing. And here's my fantasy. I want England to take a one-nothing lead at the 70th minute, and I want to see how they play with a 1-0 lead. How about that? That might be the only scenario in which the English players play hard at the end of this game. There's another thing at stake.

Individual accolades, right? The Golden Boot Award, which has been secured in the past in the 13th. the third place game. Think about Thomas Mueller in Germany. And in this case, it would be Mbapé, who's currently tied with Messi, eight goals. Kane as well could get it. But that's about it.

It's for the fans. It's for FIFA's bottom line to make more money and get more eyeballs, obviously. And that's pretty much it. I mean, it kind of feels like the Pro Bowl to me. Nobody really cares. It remembers who won, and all the players just want to go to the beach.

That, by the way, is the one incentive they have, in addition to all of that. At least this one's in Miami and not in smoky New York slash New Jersey. You bring up a great point about the golden boot. People might not know this, but those goals will count. So when BAPE or Harry Cane can win it, and you mentioned a couple guys. Well, how about Eusebio, the famous Portuguese player, won it because goals that he scored in the third place game. One of my guys, Salvatore Toto Scalachi, the Italian in 1990, when Italy lost at home in the semifinals to Argentina on penalty kicks. So it does happen where, you know, the golden boot can be decided. But I get it. These club teams, now the news came out today that William Saliba, the centerback for France, who plays for Arsenal, suffered a back injury. He might be out for a few months. So these club teams are watching star players on both England and on France. And they're thinking, oh, man, nobody get hurt in this game. But the players don't like it, but it's FIFA.

There's always money involved with FIFA. Speaking of money, let's go to LeBron, who's still receiving overtures from NBA teams. Pat Riley won LeBron over once before and is trying again, saying yesterday, quote, we got a golf course, the weather is nice, and there's no state tax. So that's a little better than California. Of course, Mina's not in Miami. She is in California. Pat Riley should remember that.

Edna the newly acquired Janice and Tadacumpo, I would love for him to be here. Mina, do you like Pat Riley's chances of loring LeBron back to Miami? I don't think they're very high. Really? I do think it's a really intriguing. Yeah. Well, first of all, it's an interesting basketball fit, right, if that was something that LeBron had as a priority,

because at this point in his career, deficiencies, probably defense, first and foremost, playing with Yannis and Bam, well, problem solved. You don't have to worry about playing defense there. And he gives the heat what they desperately need, which is playmaking. He doesn't give them what they also need, which is outside shooting. He shot 32% from three last year, so that it would have to figure that out. But I do think it would be interesting to see those three players to get. Obviously, familiarity for LeBron is also there.

I just don't think this is a basketball decision, primarily, frankly. Obviously, he wants to play for a contender to some degree, but it seems likely to me, based on reading the tea leaves and everything I've heard, he wants to play with his friends. He wants to play with Steph. He wants to play with Draymond. I would be shocked at this point if it's anywhere by Golden State. You know what?

You just aced your audition for NBA today, because everything that you said is 100% right. And you and I are on the same way, but like, I still think maybe I'll be wrong. I still think he's going to Golden State. close to L.A., Step Curry, Draymond Green, the whole golf thing, I get it. Now, as for Miami, that is the best basketball fit because you go to Cleveland, James Harden needs the ball, Donovan Mitchell needs the ball, you go to Philadelphia, Tyrese Maxie, Jalen Brown. You go to Miami.

He could initiate everything. And I'll tell you who it'll be great for. It'll be great for Janus. Because when Janus had Drew Holiday in Milwaukee, kind of the adult in the room, the leader, look what that did for Janus. That's when he won his championship. When they let you, honest run everything. He ran it right into the ground, trying to decide which coach, roster moves, things of that nature. So I think you're right. That's why Pat Riley has a chance. If it is a basketball decision by LeBron, Miami makes the most sense. But I think what's happening with him is I think he's thinking about ownership. And I think he has a better chance of getting that in Cleveland if you're to go back there. How about that? In Cleveland, I guess. All right,

let me ask you, put you on the spot. Golden State with LeBron or Miami with LeBron, which is the better team? I definitely think it's Miami. I definitely think they have a great chance. I mean, think about the two terrific defensive players that you're going to have. And if you go back, Janus going to Miami, a little similar to Kevin Garnett, when he left Minnesota, went to Boston. He was rejuvenated. I think that Janus will be rejuvenated in Miami. He's had a couple of down years. How about the fact the last 10 playoff games that he's played in? Now, this stat matters. His team was one in nine. So Janus really hasn't done much. He needs LeBron.

The operating the offense, using his head. It'll be great for him. And Pat Riley always goes big game hunting. We'll see if he can get one more whale. All right, good job, by the way, in the NBA. Let's take a break, but coming up, a big moment at the British Open. And should the Rams be okay with Aaron Donald returning but skipping training pan? It will be okay.

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Just style you love and quality you can trust. Visit Wayfair.ca. Every style, every home. For Mina and I to choose our words wisely. What's first? The British Open's decision to penalize Bryson Deschambo two strokes after he finished today's second round was blank. All right. So today at the British Open, Bryson DeCambo finished his round.

He was in second place, one shot back, and then officials took him back to the fifth hole to review whether he might have improved his lie. They determined he did. Then they penalized him two shots. dropping him into a tie for sixth. His agent then confirmed that DeShambo could possibly not show up tomorrow, and Bryson will think about it overnight. All right, my word is going to be harsh,

and you see the officials there with Bryson DeShamba. Pretty interesting video. It's pretty emphatic the way that he's trying to plead his case. And remember, this happens after the round is over. They went all the way back to the fifth hole. Now, DeCambeau had said it didn't do anything to improve my stroke. I was not that close to the ball. Clearly, he's upset.

It's amazing how he kind of is the name right now at the British Open after what happened yet, or a couple of days ago with Nick Baldos saying, you know, he's got no clue when it comes to strategy. Well, apparently he does. He was trying to improve his lie around his second shot on the fifth hole. I'm going to go with the word harsh. That's what I thought it was. I thought it was a harsh penalty. Yeah, my word is provocative. It is really fascinating how Deschambeau just continues to be the main character.

And I guess not that surprising given some of the decisions he made, but he was playing so well. And it felt like he would finally be able to, I don't know, hold it over everybody. After all, the criticism, certainly over at Nicofaldo. And then this happens. And it sounds like it was quite a scene at the tournament. He's walking around, according to my friend Kevin Van Valkenberg, who's covering it.

He's walking around singing, taking practice shots. His agent is showing people videos of Wyndham Clark at the open. and maybe doing the same thing. I went back and looked, and he did kind of do similar motion to potentially improve his lie. As far as whether Bryson actually quits, and this might just be me speaking

as the mother of two-year-old, but when I hear someone say, I'm not going to play anymore, I am not inclined to believe them, especially when he is still in position to win it. I know. He's like the biggest dude out there. He's really just going to walk away.

And guess what? He has two days. He's played 36 holes. He's three shots back. He has enough time to make that up. Unfortunately, what happened toward the end today of the British Open overshadowed what Lucas Herbert did. How about this?

97th ranked player in the world has never finished in the top 10 of a major. He's putting on the 18th hole, a five-foot putt, which would have given him the lowest round score in major championship history. And he missed basically a little bunny. He still has the lead, though. Good job by him. All right. What's next?

Aaron Donald returning to the Rams, but skipping training camp would be blank. All right. So Ian Rappaport is reporting that Donald's comeback has quote a real possibility, but then he did say maybe he won't show up until the end of training camp or maybe during the season.

Come on, folks. This is so L.A. You think Tom Cruise is sitting around eight hours on a movie set? They're bringing him in for his line that he goes home. You think Mina Kimes is doing a heavy lifting on this show or NFL today?

The producers here call me up at 8 o'clock in the morning to go over the show. show, well, you're at a spa. So I have no problem with Aaron Donald if he decides not to show up at the start of training camp, a week into the season. It's happened before. It's 17 games. And that dude, I don't care that he's missed a couple of years. He's probably maybe lost a bit of a step. He'll still be a dominant player. The Rams are going for it this year. And he can help him get there. I'm okay with it. So, L.A. Yeah, it's not just L.A. This is something that happens all the time in the NFL with veterans, especially if they're free agents waiting to

sign. They really don't see any reason to go to camp. As far as Aaron Donald goes, I mean, it's been a few years since we've seen him play. But the last time he did play, it wasn't that long ago, in 2023, he was second league-wide in pressures to only Chris Jones amongst defensive tackles. First in pass rush win rate, first in quarterback hurries. I am not worried about his ability to terrorize teams, especially when you consider who he's playing with. the best defensive player, maybe the best player in the entire NFL in Miles Garrett. Kobe Turner, who's

one of the Rams defensive tackle, is no slouch either. Byron Young, if I was an offensive line in the league right now, I would rather eat a bag of ice-bred lettuce than face that defensive line with Aaron Donald. Okay, well, the name of the game is what's the word? You haven't given your word. You made your argument. What's the word?

Understandable for him to miss camp. Well, let me ask you this. Understand this. So if you combine Miles Garrett and Aaron Donald, That's 236 and a half career sacks, five defensive player of the year awards, 17 Pro Bowls. How dynamic can the two of those guys be together? Super Bowl or bust? And if I'm Aaron Donald in this analogy, what does that make you? Like a journeyman who maybe gets a few reps comes off a bench?

You said you will mean you all to my Messi, and then today you said Messi's the goat. So you play that game, but you caught yourself. All right, that's the final word. I went again. Let's take one last break, but still to come, are fans to blame for Kyle Schwabert losing a home run last night? And Bill Belichick seems awfully pleased with this year's Carolina team. The name of the game is what's the word, and we waited and we waited. We thought like a three-dollar word was going to come out.

You go for so long that by the time I finally get a chance to speak, I've forgotten what my word was. It's a Friday happy time. Happy early 38th birthday to Trent Williams. The Niners left tackle. Celebrates his actual birthday on Sunday. In his 16th season career, Williams has made 12 Pro Bowls, five all pro teams, and was recently ranked as the second best offensive tackle in an ESPN survey of league executives, coaches and scouts.

Only Penae Soil of the Lions was ranked higher. Just this week, Brown's pass rusher, Jared Burst, said Williams gave him his welcome to the NFL moment. said verse, quote, he got me on the outside shoulder. I tried to move his hands and it was like moving cinder blocks. I literally said, Trent, get off of me. He just starts laughing and was like, you're so funny, verse. Yes, happy birthday, Trent. Your present is you get to block Miles Garrett now, potentially Aaron Donald.

You know, for all the talk about Kittle and Christian McAfree and all the other players in San Francisco, Trent Williams has kind of been the secret sauce on this team, just to put it in perspective. In the five years he's been San Francisco. When he's on the field, they average 4.6 yards per carry. When he's off, that drops to 3.9. That's the difference between being a top four rushing attack and the worst in the NFL in that period. He matters so much and is still playing at such a high level at his age.

He is a mountain of a man. Happy anniversary, Tony Miola. Around this day, 32 years ago, the goalkeeper for the U.S. men's national team signed up to try it as a kicker for the New York Jets and Pete Carroll. But then 25-year-old Miola hadn't kicked the football in a game since he was in the eighth grade, but he made it to the final round of cuts before bowing out to Nick Lowry. England's Harry Kane has spoken of trying to kick in the NFL

following the example of Braden Aubrey who played soccer for Toronto FC. Kane and Tom Brady are close and the athletic recent reported people often laugh this off but speak to anyone who knows Kane and they will tell you that he's deadly serious about it. Might be a little bit late for Kane. It wasn't too late for Meal. In fact, I remember that that story vividly as a soccer player at the time, wondering, should I try to kick field goals? Because he was pretty good at it. And Frank, you could argue Tony Mola walked

so Brandon Aubrey, who's the Cowboys, excellent kicker, could run. You remember he played college soccer, actually played professional soccer, didn't pick up field goal kicking until 2019 when he was an adult. Now he's arguably the best kicker in the entire league. He's absolutely automatic.

Kane has done it before on the practice field. He has the technique down and he loves American football. I wouldn't rule it out. It's gonna have to take a pay cut. Happy trails to the home run for Kyle Schwerber. Schwerber appeared to hit his league leading 33rd home run of the season in the bottom of the six against the Mets last night. But the ball bounced off the railing and back into the outfield for a double. Upon review, it could have been a homer if one of several fans in right field wearing Mitz had caught the ball.

Instead, the fans seemed to go into turtle mode and receive booze from the home team for their lack of effort. The Mets went on to win the game, which was beset by Hayes from the wildfires in Canada. The pictures from this game are absolutely wild. And I want to throw it back to you because this is your account. Are you at all worried about the World Cup on Sunday? Because there was an NWSL game where they had to take like a million water breaks. The air quality was so bad. How is it looking in your neck of the woods?

You know what? They actually said it might be better for Sunday and the temperature in the low 80s, which is good as well. That's why they'll have those hydration breaks. By the way, one clarification. The British Open explained that the two-stroke penalty for improving a lie applies even if it happens accidentally, as it says, was the case with the shambo. Oh. I still think it was a little hard.

So there you go. Golf has rules. You've got to follow the rules. All right, we're running out of show. Let's go to the big finish. Bill Belichick says this year's team is way ahead of last year's. Your thoughts? Wouldn't be that hard to get better.

I do think the offense will be better with Biden Vitrino. The defense was surprisingly good. I just don't think they have the talent yet to truly contend. Sportsnet, New York reports that the bets could be big. sellers at the deadline. Surprised? No, it's been a disaster of a season. Basically, everyone is available except their young players and Juan Soto. I'm not so sure a lot of teams want to pay that contract that Soto has anyway. Maricio Pocitino says he's been offered a new deal from U.S. soccer. Does that make sense? It does. I know the result was disappointing,

but it's hard for me to see them getting a better alternative. I actually wonder if he would want to do it or return to the Premier League. That's something that remains to be seen. NYCFC says, It hopes to sign Christian Polisic in the future. Do you see that happening? Yes, they're opening a new stadium a year from now. They want to get a big player in there. It'll be ballistic. One last one.

The Dodgers and Yankees started three games set tonight. Are you intrigued? Intrigged, but Aaron Judge, still not clear to resume baseball activities? That's concerning, Frank. I know. We're out of time. Thanks for watching. I'm Frank Isola.

And I'm Ine Kimes. Have a great weekend, everyone.