Lionel Messi added yet another extraordinary chapter to his glittering career even before a ball was kicked in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, becoming the first player in history to captain his country in three World Cup finals.As Messi walked out to lead defending champions Argentina against Spain at the MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, the 39-year-old achieved a feat unmatched by any captain in the tournament’s 96-year history. The Argentine superstar previously wore the captain’s armband in the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil and the unforgettable 2022 title clash against France in Qatar. Sunday’s showdown marked his third appearance as captain on football’s biggest stage, breaking new ground in World Cup history.Messi’s first World Cup final as skipper ended in heartbreak, with Argentina suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Germany after extra time at the Maracana. Eight years later, he completed football’s ultimate redemption story by inspiring Argentina to a dramatic victory over France on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw, scoring twice in one of the greatest World Cup finals ever played.Now, with another final on the horizon, Messi has the chance to become only the third captain to lift back-to-back FIFA World Cup trophies and cement his legacy further by leading Argentina to consecutive world titles.
Another chapter in an extraordinary World Cup legacy
Messi has once again been the driving force behind Argentina’s campaign. Heading into the final, he has scored eight goals and provided four assists, leaving him just two goals behind France captain Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.Argentina booked their place in the final with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England. After falling behind in the first half, Enzo Fernandez levelled the scores before Lautaro Martinez struck a stoppage-time winner to send Lionel Scaloni’s side into another World Cup final.Spain, meanwhile, reached their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010 after defeating France 2-0 in a composed semifinal display. Lamine Yamal played a starring role by winning the penalty converted by Mikel Oyarzabal before Pedro Porro sealed victory in the second half. Spain’s defence also impressed, recording its sixth clean sheet in seven matches.
Scaloni makes three changes for title showdown
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni made three changes to the side that defeated England, recalling Gonzalo Montiel, Rodrigo De Paul and Nicolas Gonzalez to the starting XI.Messi once again led the team and partnered Julian Alvarez in attack, while Emiliano Martinez started in goal behind a defence featuring Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Nicolas Tagliafico.
- Argentina starting XI: Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Giuliano Simeone, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.