Lionel Messi he added another remarkable chapter to his glittering career even before a ball was bowled FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, becoming the first player in history to captain his country in three World Cup finals.When Messi came out to lead Argentina’s defense against Spain at the MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, the 39-year-old did something that no captain in the competition’s 96-year history could match. The Argentine superstar has already donned the captain’s hat in the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil and the memorable 2022 tournament against France in Qatar. Sunday’s performance was his third appearance as captain at football’s biggest stage, creating a World Cup record.Messi’s first World Cup as captain ended in disappointment, with Argentina losing 1-0 to Germany after extra time at the Maracana. Eight years later, he completed a football redemption story by inspiring Argentina to defeat France on penalties in a thrilling 3-3 draw, scoring twice in the World Cup’s biggest competition.Now, with another final looming, Messi has the chance to become only the third captain to lift back-to-back FIFA World Cup trophies and cement his legacy by leading Argentina to back-to-back international tournaments.
Another chapter in the incredible legacy of the World Cup
Messi also led Argentina’s campaign. By the end of the season, he had scored eight goals and provided four assists, leaving him just two goals behind the French captain. Kylian Mbappe in the competition for the Golden Shoe.Argentina booked their place in the final with a stunning 2-1 win over England. Back in the first half, Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring before Lautaro Martinez scored the winner to send Lionel Scaloni’s side through to another World Cup.Spain, meanwhile, reached their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010 after beating France 2-0 in the semi-finals. Lamine Yamal played a key role in Mikel Oyarzabal’s goal before Pedro Porro sealed victory in the second half. Spain’s defense also impressed, recording its sixth shutout in seven games.
Scaloni makes three changes to the headline show
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni made three changes to the team that defeated England, calling up Gonzalo Montiel, Rodrigo De Paul and Nicolas Gonzalez in the starting XI.Messi also led the team in partnership with Julian Alvarez in attack, while Emiliano Martinez started at the back of a defense consisting of Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Nicolas Tagliafico.
- Argentina starting XI: Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Giuliano Simeone, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.