Following Argentina’s loss in the 2016 Copa America final at MetLife Stadium, Lionel Messi’s international career seemed to have reached its conclusion. The 29-year-old, overwhelmed by the defeat in yet another major final, announced his retirement from international football, expressing that he had given his all.
At that point, Messi had already secured nearly every accolade at club and individual levels, but the elusive international triumph remained out of reach. After falling short in three Copa America finals and the 2014 World Cup final, many assumed the Argentine star would end his career without a major international trophy.
In a significant development, Messi made an emotional return following appeals from fans and football officials. Years later, he is set to compete once again on the same field—now called New York-New Jersey Stadium for this tournament—aiming to claim his second consecutive World Cup championship.
The debate over the greatest footballer of all time continues, yet only legends like Diego Maradona and Pelé have matched Messi’s profound impact on World Cup success. While Spain’s campaign has relied on a cohesive team effort, Argentina’s recent golden era has been deeply intertwined with Messi’s presence.
Messi’s influence extends well beyond scoring and assisting goals. He has become the emblem around which Argentina’s squad rallies, consistently transforming challenging situations into memorable victories. Lautaro Martinez highlighted this after netting the late winner against England in the semi-final, assisted by Messi, saying, “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.” Martinez added, “We have the best player in the world as our example.”
At 39, Messi continues to defy expectations, demonstrating exceptional fitness by playing every minute of Argentina’s knockout matches in this World Cup, including two that extended into extra time.
Forecasting the future of the Rosario-born icon has always been challenging, but securing another World Cup title would mark the pinnacle of one of football’s most illustrious careers. His 2022 World Cup victory, combined with Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2024, completed his international trophy cabinet, complementing his legendary club achievements.
Currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, Messi’s influence remains unparalleled despite being in the later stages of his career. He is contracted with Inter Miami through the end of the 2028 MLS season and has not indicated that the upcoming World Cup final will be his last appearance for Argentina, a team he has represented 206 times over 21 years.
One certainty remains: after all he has accomplished, Messi has earned the full authority to determine when his extraordinary international journey will conclude.
