Lionel Messi Even before the ball was kicked into the pitch, he added another remarkable chapter to his illustrious career. fifa world cup The 2026 final takes place on Sunday, becoming the first player in history to lead his country to three World Cup finals.When Messi led defending champion Argentina against Spain at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, the 39-year-old achieved a feat unmatched by any captain in the competition’s 96-year history. The Argentinian superstar has previously worn the captain’s armband at the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil and in a memorable title clash with France in Qatar in 2022. Sunday’s showdown marks his third appearance as captain on football’s biggest stage, breaking new ground in World Cup history.Messi’s first World Cup final as captain ended in heartbreaking fashion as Argentina narrowly beat Germany 1-0 after extra time at Maracana. Eight years later, he completed football’s ultimate redemption story by guiding Argentina to a 3-3 penalty shootout draw with France and scoring twice in one of the greatest World Cup finals of all time.Now, with another final looming, Messi has the chance to further cement his legacy by becoming the third captain to lift consecutive World Cup trophies and lead Argentina to back-to-back world titles.
Another chapter in a remarkable World Cup saga
Messi once again becomes the main force of the Argentine team. Heading into the final, he had scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists, only 2 goals behind the France captain. Kylian Mbappe In the race for the Golden Boot.Argentina advanced to the final with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England. After falling behind in the first half, Enzo Fernandez equalized and Lautaro Martinez scored the winner in injury time to send Lionel Scaloni’s side into another World Cup final.Meanwhile, Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semi-finals to reach the World Cup finals for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2010. Lamine Yamal starred, winning a penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal before Pedro Porro sealed victory in the second half. Spain’s defense also impressed, keeping a clean sheet for the sixth time in seven games.
Scaloni makes three changes for Championship showdown
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made three changes to the side that beat England, recalling Gonzalo Montiel, Rodrigo De Paul and Nicolas Gonzalez to the starting XI.Messi once again led the team and partnered Julian Alvarez in attack, while Emiliano Martinez opened the scoring behind a defense that included Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Nicolas Tagliafico.
- Argentina starting lineup: Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Giuliano Simeone, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.
