Lionel Messi he added another extraordinary chapter to his glittering career even before a ball was kicked FIFA World Cup Final 2026 on Sunday, becoming the first player in history to captain his country in three World Cup finals.As Messi stepped out to lead defending champions Argentina against Spain at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, the 39-year-old accomplished a feat unmatched by any captain in the tournament’s 96-year history. The Argentine superstar previously wore the captain’s armband in the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil and in the unforgettable 2022 title clash against France in Qatar. Sunday’s clash marked 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 heartbreak, with Argentina suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Germany after extra time at the Maracana. Eight years later, he completed football’s ultimate redemption story by inspiring Argentina to a dramatic victory over France on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw, scoring twice in one of the greatest World Cup finals ever played.Now, with another final on the horizon, Messi has the chance to become only the third captain to lift FIFA World Cup trophies and cement his legacy by leading Argentina to back-to-back world titles.
Another chapter in an extraordinary World Cup legacy
Messi has once again been the driving force behind Argentina’s campaign. In the final, he scored eight goals and provided four assists, leaving just two goals behind the France captain. Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.Argentina booked their place in the final with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over England. After falling behind in the first half, Enzo Fernandez leveled the scores before Lautaro Martinez hit 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 defeating France 2-0 in a composite semi-final. Lamine Yamal played a starring role winning the penalty converted by Mikel Oyarzabal before Pedro Porro sealed the win in the second half. Spain’s defense also impressed, recording their sixth clean sheet in seven games.
Scaloni makes three changes for the title race
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made three changes to the team that defeated England, recalling Gonzalo Montiel, Rodrigo De Paul and Nicolas Gonzalez to the starting eleven.Messi once again led the team and partnered Julian Alvarez in attack, while Emiliano Martinez started in goal behind a defense featuring Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Nicolas Tagliafico.
- Argentina in the starting eleven: Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Giuliano Simeone, Alexis MacAllister, Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.