Messi returns to World Cup final stage, seeking second straight title at 37

Lionel Messi is set to take the field at MetLife Stadium, now known as New York-New Jersey Stadium for the tournament, on Sunday to compete for a second consecutive World Cup winners' medal. This appearance comes five years after Argentina's loss in the 2016 Copa America final at the same venue, where a heartbroken Messi announced his retirement from international football.

At 29, Messi had already achieved immense individual and club success but faced losses in three Copa America finals and the 2014 World Cup final. Despite these setbacks, he was persuaded to return to the Argentina squad, where he has since become a "national totem." His presence has been crucial to the team's five years of uninterrupted glory, rallying them through adversity.

“

I've done all I can

Lautaro Martinez, after scoring a stoppage-time winner assisted by Messi in the semi-final against England, highlighted the team's resilience and Messi's exemplary role. "It's all happiness, and it's all thanks to this group which, in the face of adversity, keeps going and going and never gets tired," Martinez said. "We have the best player in the world as our example."

Messi has also demonstrated remarkable durability, playing every minute of Argentina's knockout games, including two that went into extra time. While predicting his future has always been difficult, a fourth World Cup title would undoubtedly be the crowning achievement of his career. His trophy cabinet now boasts recent Copa America titles (2021 and 2024) and the 2022 World Cup triumph, achieved as his club success shifted to Major League Soccer. Messi is contracted with Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 MLS season and has given no indication that Sunday's match will be his last for Argentina, having represented his country 206 times over 21 years.

“

It's all happiness, and it's all thanks to this group which, in the face of adversity, keeps going and going and never gets tired. We have the best player in the world as our example.