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Lionel Messi — the final chapter
At 39, in what he has called his last World Cup, Messi has dragged Argentina to another final — and rewritten the record books on the way.
A farewell tournament
Messi has described 2026 as the closing chapter of his international career — widely expected to be his last World Cup. Argentina came in as defending champions, and their captain has answered every time they needed him.
The records keep falling
- The all-time leading World Cup goalscorer, having passed Miroslav Klose’s 16 during the group stage.
- Tied for this tournament’s Golden Boot lead with 8 goals, plus assists in the knockouts.
- The first man to make 30+ World Cup appearances — the most in the tournament’s history.
- Extended his record of scoring in consecutive World Cup appearances, a streak no one else has matched.
- The most goal contributions in World Cup history — well clear of the field.
The road to the final
Argentina’s knockout run has been all drama: a comeback to beat Egypt 3–2, extra time to see off Switzerland 3–1, and a 2–1 semifinal win over England in which Messi assisted Lautaro Martínez for the winner. Now one game stands between him and back-to-back World Cups — Spain, on July 19.
Never write off a team with the greatest player of his generation chasing the perfect goodbye.
The final preview → · Vote: Spain or Argentina? →
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