2026 World Cup Final: Will this be the last time we see Lionel Messi with...

According toBBC.

Background

Lionel Messi, considered one of the greatest players in football history, is preparing to play in the 2026 World Cup final with Argentina. Having led his team to the championship in 2022, he is now seeking another achievement that could secure him a legendary place in the history of the game. As the end of his international career approaches, questions remain about his future with the national team.

Why is this important?

The 2026 World Cup final is a historic opportunity for Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, to achieve an unprecedented achievement by winning the tournament for the second time in a row. If Messi can lead his team to victory, he will become the first captain to lift the World Cup twice, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in football history. This match may also be Messi's last with the Argentine national team, which increases the importance of the event.

Key points

• 2026 World Cup Final: Will this be the last time we see Lionel Messi with...
• Lionel Messi is preparing to play in the 2026 World Cup final, raising questions about whether this will be his last match for Argentina.
• World Cup final 2026: Is this the last time we'll see Argentina's Lionel Messi?

Argentina is preparing to achieve a historic achievement in the 2026 World Cup final, as coach Lionel Scaloni’s team seeks to win the tournament for the second time in a row, making it the third team in history to achieve this achievement after Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962). In order to face the European champions, Spain, the Argentine national team needs to provide the best performance from its first star, Lionel Messi.

Considered one of the greatest players in football history, Messi is on the cusp of achieving an unprecedented feat: if he wins the World Cup on Sunday, he will become the first captain to lift the trophy twice. Although he was not at his best in his first four tournaments, he performed exceptionally in 2022 when he led Argentina to win the tournament, and he is now only one goal behind Kylian Mbappe in the race of all-time World Cup top scorers.

Interestingly, Messi had retired from international football in 2016, but then reversed his decision. Sunday's World Cup final will be his 34th match in the tournament, raising questions about whether this will be the last time Messi wears the Argentine jersey.

If Messi decides to continue with Argentina until 2030, he will be the oldest player in World Cup history, as he will play at the age of 43, unless Cristiano Ronaldo decides to continue with Portugal as well. Not only that, but Messi may have the opportunity to play in the centenary matches that will be held in Argentina.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague believes it is unlikely that this will be Messi's last match in the World Cup. He said: “Even if you heard it was the end, I doubt it. I see Messi with the national team because he enjoys it.”

Messi has put in an impressive performance at the 2026 World Cup, scoring eight goals in seven matches, close behind leaders Mbappe, helping Argentina reach the final. Scaloni praised Messi, saying: "He is history, a legend. I feel proud, he is the best player in the world, and reaching the final at the age of 39 is something incredible. So we have to enjoy it."

Messi's performance in North America reflects a stunning rebound in his late World Cup career. He has scored fifteen of his twenty-one goals in the tournament since his thirty-fifth birthday. And by lifting the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, Messi has shown he still has the drive to continue until 2026. The question is whether that will continue until 2030.

It is worth noting that Messi has previously indicated that the 2022 final may be his last match for the national team, but he is now in a good position to play in 2030, especially with the tournament being held in multiple countries, including Argentina. So, whatever may be said after the 2026 final, Messi should be followed in 2030.

What's next?

After the 2026 World Cup final, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi's future with Argentina. If he decides to continue until the 2030 World Cup, he will become the oldest player in the tournament's history, raising questions about his ability to compete at that age. He may also have the opportunity to play in the centenary matches that will be held in Argentina, adding another dimension to his career.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened in the 2026 World Cup final?

Argentina is preparing to face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, as the Argentine national team seeks to win the tournament for the second time in a row.

Who confirmed that Messi may not be in his last match with Argentina?

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague confirmed that it is unlikely that this will be Messi's last match in the World Cup.

Why is there now talk about Messi's future with Argentina?

Everyone is talking about Messi's future because he is close to achieving an unprecedented achievement if he wins the World Cup for the second time as captain.

What are the possible changes in Messi's career after the 2026 World Cup?

If Messi decides to stay with Argentina until 2030, he will be the oldest player in World Cup history.

How did Messi perform in the 2026 World Cup?

Messi had an impressive performance at the 2026 World Cup, scoring eight goals in seven matches.

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