The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is just hours away, with Argentina and Spain set to face off in the title-deciding match tonight. Ahead of the big occasion at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the entire Argentina squad gathered for a special team photo, and captain Lionel Messi shared an emotional message to accompany it.
All the squad’s players, coaching staff, medical team, kit manager, cook, and members of the board of directors — led by Claudio Tapia — came together for the photo one last time before entering the title decider.
Messi stands in the middle of the picture, with head coach Lionel Scaloni beside him. Messi, who is playing in his third World Cup final after 2014 and 2022, shared the photo on his Instagram account.
The Albiceleste captain wrote, “The greatest achievement of these past few years was never just the title — it was the whole journey. Spending every day with this team, fighting together, bouncing back in difficult moments, and enjoying every step along the way — that’s what’s real.”
Messi added, “Thank you to all my teammates, the coaching staff, and everyone who works behind the scenes every day to make this team feel like a family. Whatever happens tomorrow [today], this team has already written a history we will never forget, and one that no one can erase. Vamos Argentina.”
Whether Argentina claims the title or Spain finishes as champions instead will be known by Sunday. The match kicks off at 1:00 am Bangladesh time at MetLife Stadium in the United States.
