Lionel Messi ended the 2026 FIFA World Cup without another winners’ medal but departed the final having rewritten the competition’s history.
The Argentina captain became the first footballer to start three World Cup finals when he led his country against Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
Messi previously started the 2014 final, which Argentina lost to Germany, before captaining La Albiceleste to victory over France in Qatar in 2022.
He also became only the second player to appear in three World Cup finals after Brazilian legend Cafu, who featured in the 1994, 1998 and 2002 showpieces.
Cafu, however, entered the 1994 final as a substitute, leaving Messi as the only footballer to start three separate finals.
The Inter Miami forward achieved another milestone at 39 years and 25 days, becoming the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup final.
He surpassed Sweden’s Gunnar Gren, who was 37 when he faced Brazil in the 1958 final. Italy goalkeeper Dino Zoff remains the oldest player in any position to feature in the match, having captained his country to the 1982 title at 40. Opta and the Associated Press confirmed the records.
Why Messi’s latest records carry greater significance
Messi’s achievement was not simply the result of longevity or reputation. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remained Argentina’s most productive attacker throughout the tournament.
He completed the competition with eight goals and four assists, finishing behind France captain Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.
Producing those numbers at 39 demonstrates that Messi was not included merely as a ceremonial figure. He remained the central creative and attacking force behind Argentina’s run to another final.
His influence was particularly decisive during the knockout stages, although Spain’s disciplined midfield and defence successfully limited his involvement in the final.
Ferran Torres scored the only goal in the 106th minute as Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win their second World Cup title.
Argentina had been reduced to 10 men following Enzo Fernández’s dismissal in second-half stoppage time and struggled to create opportunities against Luis de la Fuente’s side.
Messi could not produce one final rescue act as Spain ended Argentina’s attempt to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup.
Despite the painful conclusion, his eight goals and four assists represented an extraordinary individual campaign. Reuters described Argentina’s run as heavily dependent on his late interventions.
Whether the defeat marked Messi’s final World Cup appearance remains uncertain, but his record of three final starts has added another historic achievement to an already remarkable international career.
