Key Takeaways
- Lionel Messi will play for a second successive World Cup winners’ medal at New York-New Jersey Stadium.
- Argentina's national team has rallied around Messi, who has been essential in their five years of uninterrupted glory.
- Messi is contracted to Inter Miami until the end of 2028 MLS season and has given no indication that Sunday’s game will be his last.
Lionel Messi is set to play for a second successive World Cup winners’ medal at New York-New Jersey Stadium, where he previously played in the 2014 final. The match marks a significant moment in the career of one of football’s greatest players.
When Argentina lost the 2016 Copa America final at MetLife Stadium, Messi tearfully announced his retirement from international football with the words 'I’ve done all I can.' However, he was cajoled back into the national team by an adoring nation. His return has been nothing short of spectacular.
Messi's presence has been absolutely essential to Argentina’s five years of uninterrupted glory in international football. The 2022 World Cup triumph, along with Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, have loaded his trophy cabinet with international medals. His club success, however, has tapered off in the less demanding environs of Major League Soccer.
National totem Lautaro Martinez spoke about Messi's influence: 'It’s all happiness, and it’s all thanks to this group which, in the face of adversity, keeps going and going and never gets tired.' His skill and remarkable durability have been key factors as Argentina has rallied time and again to rescue triumph from the jaws of defeat.
While making any assumptions about Messi's future is reckless, a fourth world title for Argentina on Sunday would serve as the crowning achievement of an incredible career. The 2022 World Cup victory, along with Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, have solidified his legacy.
Messi is contracted to Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 MLS season and has given no indication that Sunday’s game will be his last in the sky blue and white shirt. He has graced it 206 times over 21 years, making him a national icon and one of football's greatest players.
The arguments over who is the greatest footballer of all time will rage on until the end of days, but you would have to go back to Diego Maradona or Pele to find a player with a similar individual influence on World Cup success. Messi’s presence has been absolutely essential in Argentina's quest for glory.
It’s all happiness, and it’s all thanks to this group which, in the face of adversity, keeps going and going and never gets tired.
Lautaro Martinez, Argentina national team player
