World Cup Final: Messi faces Spain, the nation that almost claimed him 21 years ago

The 2026 World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is poised to be a career-defining moment for Lionel Messi, potentially marking the final match for the 39-year-old Argentine superstar. The highly anticipated clash pits defending champions Argentina against European powerhouse Spain, a team that nearly secured Messi's international allegiance two decades ago.

In 2005, a young and prodigious Messi, then 17, captivated audiences at the South American U-20 Championship. Having moved to Barcelona at 13, Messi was already on the radar of the Spanish Football Federation, which actively pursued him to represent Spain. However, the Argentine Football Association intervened, and Messi ultimately chose to play for his home country. His national team debut came on August 17, 2005, against Hungary, though it was cut short by a red card within a minute of coming on as a substitute.

Messi's decision to represent Argentina, despite facing years of criticism and mockery during Spain's golden era (2008-2012) when they won two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup, has led to a different trajectory. While Argentina endured a long drought, Messi's return eventually ushered in a golden period, culminating in two Copa América titles and the 2022 World Cup victory. Now, Argentina is on the verge of a potential back-to-back championship.

The final was initially slated to be a "Finalissima" match between the European and South American champions earlier in the year but was canceled due to political issues and scheduling conflicts. This World Cup final marks the first time the reigning European and South American champions meet on the world stage, setting the stage for Messi's potential perfect farewell against the very nation that once vied for his talent.