Lionel Messi will feature in his third FIFA World Cup final when he takes the field for Argentina at the New Jersey Stadium against Spain on Sunday.
The Argentine No. 10 led the nation to triumph four years ago in Qatar, and if he emulates the feat in the United States, he will join a coveted list of players to win the title in consecutive editions.
Messi also featured in the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil, when Argentina lost 0-1 to Germany after extra time.
However, the third final will also bring back some unwanted memories for Messi.
In 2016, at the centenary edition of the Copa America, Argentina played Chile in the final at the same venue, the MetLife Stadium. Messi missed a penalty as Argentina lost in the shootout, a defeat that prompted him to retire from international football.
“My thinking right now, and thinking about it in the locker room, I’m done playing with the national team,” Messi had said after the loss.
FILE PHOTO: Argentina's Lionel Messi waits to receive the second place medal during the Copa America Centenario awards ceremony. | Photo Credit: AFP
“It’s been four finals, and I was not able to win. I tried everything possible. It hurts me more than anyone, but it is evident that this is not for me,” he added. “I want more than anyone to win a title with the national team, but unfortunately, it did not happen.”
He was, however, convinced to take the decision back and return for La Albiceleste to chart the team’s return to success.
Messi would exact his revenge years later at the same stadium, as Argentina beat Chile 1-0 in the group stage courtesy of an 88th-minute goal from Lautaro Martinez.
Argentina went on to win the tournament, completing back-to-back title triumphs.
But Messi’s most cherished memory of this stadium would be from 2012, when he scored a hat-trick for Argentina against arch-rival Brazil in a 3-0 win.
Even though it was a friendly, the MetLife Stadium was packed to the brim to catch a glimpse of the superstar.
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Published on Jul 19, 2026