Argentina captain Lionel Messi will become the oldest outfield player to play a FIFA World Cup final when he takes the field against reigning European champions Spain in New Jersey on Sunday (July 19).
The Albiceleste reached the title match with a come-from-behind 2-1 semi-final win over 1966 winners England in Atlanta on Wednesday (July 15). Lionel Scaloni's side fell behind to Anthony Gordon's 55th-minute opener before scoring twice in the final five minutes to advance.
Messi was the architect of the victory, setting up Enzo Fernandez's brilliant long-distance leveller in the 85th minute. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner then crossed for substitute Lautaro Martinez to head home the winner seven minutes later to make it six FIFA World Cup semi-final wins out of six for the Albiceleste.
On Sunday, the Inter Miami forward - already the most prolific scorer and assist provider in competition history - will add another laurel to his name. As per ESPN, the 39-year-old will become the oldest outfield player to grace a World Cup final as he looks to win his second title.
Messi is on a historic 11-game streak of scoring or assisting in the World Cup, scoring in the first nine - another competition record - as the Albiceleste seek to extend their record winning streak to 14 games in the quadrennial event.
Lionel Messi of Argentina is enjoying a historic 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, his best ever in the competition in his sixth appearance as he prepares to take on Spain in the New Jersey title match on Sunday.
During the tournament, Messi (21) overtook Miroslav Klose (16) to become the World Cup's most prolific scorer, a record he set with his first of two goals in the 2-0 group-stage win over Austria.
In the earlier game, La Pulga became the oldest player to score a FIFA World Cup hat-trick, while in the knockouts, he became the first player to register 10 assists in the competition.
La Albiceleste's youngest as well as oldest scorer in the competition, Lionel Messi is now looking to join an exclusive group of players to win two World Cup finals as the holders lock horns with Luis de la Fuente's Spain in the title match.
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