Argentine Lionel Messi (AP Photo)
Lionel Messi added another exceptional chapter to his glittering career even before kicking the ball in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday, becoming the first player in history to lead his country in three World Cup finals.As Messi walked off to lead defending champions Argentina against Spain at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, the 39-year-old achieved a feat unmatched by any captain in the tournament’s 96-year history.
The Argentine star previously wore the captain’s armband in the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil and in the memorable 2022 title match against France in Qatar. Sunday’s encounter marked his third appearance as captain in football’s biggest tournament, breaking new ground in World Cup history.Messi’s first final as World Cup captain ended in heartbreak, with Argentina suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Germany after extra time at the Maracanã. Eight years later, he completed football’s ultimate redemption story by inspiring Argentina to a thrilling win over France on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw, scoring twice in one of the greatest World Cup finals ever.Now, with another final on the horizon, Messi has the opportunity to become only the third captain to lift back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles and further cement his legacy by leading Argentina to back-to-back world titles.
Another chapter in an extraordinary World Cup legacy
Messi was once again the driving force behind Argentina’s campaign. Before reaching the final, he had scored eight goals and provided four assists, leaving him just two goals behind France captain Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.Argentina booked its place in the final match after its exciting victory over England 2-1. After falling behind at half-time, Enzo Fernandes equalized before Lautaro Martinez scored a stoppage-time winner to send Lionel Scaloni’s side into another World Cup final.Meanwhile, Spain reached their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010 after beating France 2-0 in the semi-final showdown. Lamine Yamal starred, winning Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty before Pedro Porro sealed the win in the second half. Spain’s defense also impressed, recording its sixth clean sheet in seven matches.
Scaloni makes three changes in the title clash
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made three changes to the squad that defeated England, as he called up Gonzalo Montiel, Rodrigo De Paul and Nicholas Gonzalez in the starting lineup.Messi once again led the team with Julian Alvarez involved in attack, while Emiliano Martinez started in goal 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 McAllister, Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.