Lionel Messi has the chance to strengthen his claim as football's greatest player if he leads Argentina to a second successive FIFA World Cup title in Sunday's final against Spain at MetLife Stadium. The venue also holds painful memories for the Argentine captain, who announced his retirement from international football there a decade ago after another heartbreaking defeat.
Messi had turned 29 in June 2016 and was already regarded as one of the finest players in football history. By then, he had won five Ballon d'Or awards and helped Barcelona lift the UEFA Champions League trophy four times, including in 2015.
However, his remarkable club success was yet to be matched on the international stage. Argentina had suffered defeats in three major tournament finals during his career. The first came against Brazil in the 2007 Copa America, followed by World Cup quarter-final exits in 2006 and 2010, and a quarter-final elimination to Uruguay at the 2011 Copa America, which Argentina hosted.
Messi then guided Argentina to the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, only to lose 1-0 to Germany after extra time at the Maracana Stadium. A year later, Argentina were beaten by Chile in a penalty shootout in the 2015 Copa America final.
Determined to end the trophy drought, Messi led Argentina into the 2016 Copa America Centenario in the United States. The team dominated the tournament, winning all five matches before the final and scoring 18 goals.
But Chile once again stood in Argentina's way at a packed MetLife Stadium. After a goalless draw, the match was decided on penalties, with Chile emerging victorious. Messi missed his spot-kick, and moments later, an emotional captain announced his retirement from international football—a decision he later reversed.
Lionel Messi net worth 2026:
Like longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi recently joined Forbes' list of billionaires, with the magazine estimating his net worth at $1.1 billion. The Argentine captain is also set to make his sixth FIFA World Cup appearance, equalling the tournament record.
As Argentina chases a second consecutive World Cup title after its 2022 triumph and a fourth overall, Messi—who turns 39 on June 24—could add another milestone to his remarkable career. If he scores four goals during the tournament, he will surpass former Germany striker Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals to become the highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history.
Off the pitch, Messi remains one of the tournament's biggest commercial attractions. He features in Adidas' World Cup campaign alongside Bad Bunny and Timothée Chalamet, while Michelob Ultra has cast him in a promotional campaign with Christian Pulisic and Billy Bob Thornton. Meanwhile, home improvement retailer Lowe's is selling a 10-foot inflatable Messi for $99 as part of its World Cup-themed merchandise.
