Lionel Messi enjoyed a remarkable FIFA World Cup 2026, leading Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final and coming within one match of back-to-back titles for the first time in more than six decades. Although Argentina fell 1-0 to Spain in the final, Messi delivered one of the tournament's standout performances at age 39.

Throughout the competition, Messi recorded 8 goals and 4 assists in 8 matches, contributing directly to 12 of Argentina's 19 goals. He finished just behind France's Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race and helped guide Argentina through an impressive run to the final.

The tournament further strengthened Messi's legacy as one of the greatest players in football history. He became the first player to start three World Cup finals as captain and set several career World Cup records, including the most goal contributions (33) and most assists (12) in tournament history. He also completed his record-tying sixth World Cup appearance and at 39 is the oldest outfield player to play in a world cup final.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni praised Messi after the final, calling him "the best player ever to step on a soccer field" and noting that the tournament only reinforced his greatness.

While Argentina were unable to defend their 2022 title, Messi's performances demonstrated that he remained among the world's elite players despite nearing 40 years old. If the 2026 tournament proves to be his final World Cup, he leaves the global stage with an unmatched international résumé, including a World Cup title, multiple finals appearances, and numerous tournament records.

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