The final against Spain is not just a 90-minute or extra-time match; it could very well be the last World Cup chapter in one of the greatest football careers ever. Leading Argentina, Lionel Messi has guided his team to the World Cup final for the second consecutive time, where they will compete against Spain for the title. Messi has set World Cup records with 21 goals and a record 12 assists, now seeking historic success in what could be the closing chapter of his football journey. Argentina’s players aim to secure a second straight World Cup trophy under the leadership of their golden generation’s captain, Messi, thus cementing his legacy as one of football’s all-time greats. Kathmandu, July 17.
Four years ago in Qatar, Lionel Messi fulfilled his long-held World Cup dream. By leading Argentina to their first World Cup win in 36 years, he also lifted arguably the most significant trophy missing from his collection. Many believed that moment marked the culmination of his career. However, the 2026 World Cup is writing a new story. At 39 years old, Captain Messi has once again been the driving force behind Argentina’s journey to a consecutive World Cup final. He now faces an opportunity that could elevate him not only as Argentina’s most successful player but as the greatest footballer in global history.
The final match against Spain scheduled for Sunday holds more than just a trophy on the line for Messi; it could very well be his final World Cup appearance. So far in this tournament, Messi has scored 8 goals, bringing his total World Cup goal count to 21, the second-highest in the tournament’s history. Previously, he had broken the record for the most goals scored in World Cups. However, French star Kylian Mbappé, who scored twice in the third-place match held on Sunday morning, has now surpassed Messi’s tally. Should Messi score twice in the final, he would reclaim the top spot. From the group stage to the knockout rounds, Messi has delivered decisive performances to lead Argentina back to the final for a second successive time.
Messi began the tournament with a hat trick against Algeria and maintained his influence through matches against Austria, Jordan, Cape Verde, Egypt, and the semifinal against England. Beyond scoring, he controlled the tempo, created opportunities, and helped the team progress through challenging moments. In the race for the Golden Boot, Messi was neck and neck with France’s Mbappé, but after Mbappé’s two goals on Sunday morning, Messi’s chances of winning the Golden Boot grew slimmer. Nonetheless, Messi has also set a record for the most assists in World Cup history during this tournament, with 12 assists—four more than second-placed Diego Maradona.
Another intriguing aspect of the final is Messi’s connection to Spain. His journey to becoming the world’s best professional footballer began in Spain. Messi spent over two decades at the renowned Spanish club Barcelona, where he won more than 35 trophies including 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League titles, and 7 Copa del Rey titles. It was on Spanish soil that he set many of football’s incredible records. Now, the Spanish national team stands between him and his dream of securing a second consecutive World Cup.
Messi has already hinted that this could be his final World Cup. Therefore, the match against Spain is not just a battle for the title but possibly the final World Cup chapter in the incredible career of one of football’s greatest icons. If Argentina successfully defends their title, Messi will enter history as the captain who won back-to-back World Cups, achieving another unprecedented feat. After that, there may be little debate left—Messi would surely be regarded as the greatest football player of all time. Under coach Lionel Scaloni’s leadership, Argentina has won Copa America, the Finalissima, and the World Cup in recent years. Now, they stand on the edge of winning a consecutive World Cup. This triumph would not only mark Messi’s personal legacy but also that of teammates like Emiliano Martinez, Romero, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez, who all aim to help Messi clinch another World Cup title in his final tournament.
