Read 3 minutes18 Jul 2026 11:19 AM IST
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina could be Lionel Messi’s last game in the blue and white stripes of the national team. Messi, 39, fulfilled his World Cup dream by lifting the trophy at Qatar 2022 and set his sights on the next chapter in history in a record-tying third World Cup final.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni answered questions about Messi’s future with the national team after Sunday’s final, insisting that only the best man can answer for his talismanic captain.
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Goalkeepers Emiliano Martinez and Scaloni, while speaking to the media, were both asked about Messi’s legacy and what he might be feeling at this moment, as they all compete. “Ask Lion,” Scalloni said – before acknowledging the importance of this final.
Before this World Cup began, few expected Argentina to reach the final again. Messi’s leadership and mastery followed by a spirited performance and a fighting comeback helped La Albiceleste book a date with the reigning European champions in the final on Sunday, July 19.
“It’s pure history,” said a proud Scaloni. “A legend. To reach the final at the age of 39 is incredible. We have to enjoy it as it happens. With Diego [Maradona]We miss him. But Messi is still with us. It’s history, it’s legend, and with this group of people who brought us these wonderful years, we’ll always remember them.
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“It fills me with pride because he [Messi] The best player in the history of football,” said Scaloni. Messi has eight goals and four assists in this World Cup, and is the tournament’s all-time top scorer thanks to his feat in the earlier stages of the tournament.
Scaloni said he could not answer [on behalf of Messi]Whether or not this game in the World Cup will definitely be his last, as it is highly unlikely that he will play in the 2030 World Cup.
Argentina will be looking to become the first team after Brazil [in 1962]to go on and defend their title against a resilient Spanish side.