Messi on the brink of history - will it be his last World Cup game?

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Lionel Messi is set to make his 34th World Cup appearance when Argentina face European champions Spain in Sunday’s 2026 final, with questions growing over whether it could be his last match at the tournament. Argentina, managed by Lionel Scaloni, are trying to become only the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups, following Italy in the 1930s and Brazil in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Messi, 39, would become the first captain to lift the World Cup twice if Argentina win, according to the BBC report. He has scored eight goals in seven matches at the 2026 tournament and is one goal behind Kylian Mbappe in the race to become the World Cup’s all-time top scorer. BBC Sport also notes that 15 of Messi’s 21 World Cup goals have come across the 2022 and 2026 tournaments.

The article highlights uncertainty about Messi’s future with Argentina. Scaloni praised him as a historic figure and said the squad had not discussed whether the final would be his farewell. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague told BBC Sport he doubts this will be Messi’s last World Cup involvement, citing the player’s continuing enjoyment with the national team and the possibility of appearing in 2030, when Argentina is due to host one of the centenary matches.

BBC Sport also lists several World Cup records already held by Messi, including most men’s tournament appearances, most recorded men’s World Cup assists with 12, and two Golden Ball awards. Sunday’s final would also make him only the second player after Cafu to appear in three World Cup finals.