Lionel Messi continues to add new chapters to an already storied career. He has secured his place in a third World Cup final in the ongoing tournament in North America, putting him on the verge of a new page in football history.
Argentina will face Spain in the title-deciding match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday at 1 am Bangladesh time. Should he take the field, the Argentine maestro will become only the second footballer in World Cup history to play in three finals.
Former Brazil captain Cafu remains the only player in World Cup history to have appeared in three finals, featuring in every final from 1994 to 2002 and winning the title in both 1994 and 2002.
Messi played in the 2014 and 2022 World Cup finals. In 2014, held in Brazil, Argentina finished as runners-up after conceding in extra time against Germany — an image of a dejected Messi after that match still lingers painfully in the memory of Argentine fans.
After a disappointing 2018 World Cup, Argentina bounced back in style in 2022. In that year’s final, La Albiceleste drew 3-3 with France after normal and extra time, with Messi scoring twice, before winning the penalty shootout to end a 36-year wait for the title.
Now, Messi is set to feature in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain. Should he take the field that day, the 39-year-old superstar will match Cafu’s record of three World Cup final appearances.
It’s worth noting that Pelé was part of Brazil’s three World Cup-winning squads between 1958 and 1970. However, despite playing in the 1958 and 1970 finals, the Brazilian legend missed the 1962 final due to injury.
