Argentina stands on the cusp of footballing immortality this Sunday, with Lionel Messi leading his side into the World Cup final against European champions Spain. Should Lionel Scaloni's team emerge victorious, they would join Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962) as the only nations to secure back-to-back World Cup titles. For Messi, the stakes are even higher: a win would see him become the first captain in history to lift the coveted trophy twice.
The 39-year-old maestro's journey to this final has been nothing short of sensational. Having already inspired Argentina to victory in 2022, his performances in the current tournament have continued to defy expectations. Messi has scored eight goals in seven matches, placing him just two goals behind current tournament top scorer Kylian Mbappe. This remarkable late-career resurgence has seen 15 of his 21 World Cup goals come since his 35th birthday, showcasing an enduring passion and skill that few can match.
Sunday's encounter will mark Messi's 34th World Cup appearance, a testament to his longevity at the elite level. Despite initially retiring from international football in 2016 before reversing his decision, the question now looms large: will this be his final World Cup game? Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has expressed immense pride in Messi, calling him "the best footballer the world has ever seen" and urging fans to "enjoy him" while he is still playing, though he remained tight-lipped on Messi's future plans.
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague believes that Messi's passion for the national side suggests he may not be ready to hang up his international boots just yet. Balague highlighted Messi's ability to complete 120-minute matches at 39, noting that a significant portion of his on-field movement involves walking, allowing him to conserve energy. This, combined with the prospect of playing in a centenary match at the 2030 World Cup in front of a home crowd in Argentina, could prove a powerful incentive for him to continue.
If Messi were to play at the 2030 World Cup, he would be 43 years old, potentially becoming the oldest outfield player to feature in the tournament. The 2030 edition is set to be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with at least one game also scheduled in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The allure of a World Cup appearance on home soil, coupled with the chance to extend his already legendary career, presents a compelling argument for Messi to continue beyond Sunday's final, irrespective of the outcome.