Lionel Messi will lead Argentina against Spain in the final of FIFA World Cup 2026 in New Jersey on Sunday.
It will be the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s third appearance in the summit clash of the quadrennial event.
Messi and Co. first qualified for the final in 2014 but were caught out by a smart finish from Mario Gotze deep into extra time, which handed Germany a 1-0 win and the crown.
Eight years later, La Albiceleste qualified once again. This time, Messi and his boys were able to capture that elusive title that completed the set for the little magician.
Messi scored twice in that contest. First he scored a penalty midway through the first half to give Argentina the lead. He then found himself at the right place at the right time during extra time to slot in his team’s third goal.
The skipper then converted the first spotkick in the penalty shootout as Argentina beat France 4-2.
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Published on Jul 19, 2026