Messi on the brink of history - will it be his last World Cup game?
Lionel Messi is preparing for a historic World Cup final as Argentina faces Spain, with the potential to become the first captain to win the trophy twice. The article explores whether this match will be his final appearance in the tournament or if he might continue his international career until 2030.
Why it matters
Messi is widely considered one of the greatest athletes in history, and his performance in this final marks a potential turning point for international football records.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Lionel Messi has scored 15 of his 21 World Cup goals in 2022 and 2026
Argentina are one win away from sporting immortality.
Lionel Scaloni's side are bidding to become just the third team to win successive World Cups, after Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962).
If they are to pip European champions Spain to the crown, they will need Lionel Messi to be at his best. Again.
Whatever your response to that statement - and it could be debated for hours - it cannot be denied that the Argentine maestro is among the best players to ever set foot on a pitch.
Win on Sunday and Messi will become the first captain to lift the World Cup trophy twice.
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