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Major League Soccer

·16 July 2026

By Jaime Uribarri

It has truly been an extraordinary journey for Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The reigning champions have produced one thrilling performance after another to secure their place in Sunday’s final against Spain (3 pm ET | FOX, Telemundo, Peacock). The football-mad nation now stands just one victory away from completing one of the most unforgettable World Cup campaigns in history with consecutive titles.

Here’s how Messi and his teammates battled through every challenge this summer to reach the brink of World Cup glory.

Argentina began their campaign in commanding fashion, comfortably topping Group J with three wins from three matches and a +7 goal difference, driven by Messi’s superb form.

The Inter Miami CF captain, wearing his iconic No. 10 jersey, entered his record-tying sixth World Cup after an MLS season boasting 20 goal contributions (12 goals and 8 assists). He carried that momentum into the tournament, scoring his first-ever World Cup hat-trick in a 3-0 opening victory over Algeria.

Messi continued his scoring streak with a brace in a 2-0 win against Austria, then added a late goal in a 3-1 triumph over Jordan, becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history along the way, among other milestones.

After a smooth group stage, Argentina faced their first real test in the Round of 32 against Cape Verde – and barely survived.

The World Cup debutants, featuring Columbus Crew defender Steven Moreira, pushed the defending champions to their limits in a dramatic extra-time clash. Argentina eventually emerged 3-2 winners, courtesy of an own goal in the 111th minute.

“This World Cup, in particular, is incredibly balanced,” Messi told reporters after the hard-fought win at Miami Stadium. “Every match is going to be extremely tough.”

Egypt posed an even greater challenge in the Round of 16, racing to a 2-0 lead at Atlanta Stadium and putting Argentina on the verge of elimination.

But Messi refused to surrender. In the 79th minute, he set up Cristian Romero’s header to halve the deficit, then scored the equaliser just four minutes later.

With momentum firmly on their side, Enzo Fernández completed the stunning 2-1 comeback with a dramatic 92nd-minute winner.

Argentina’s quarterfinal against Switzerland brought more suspense, requiring extra time once again before sealing a 3-1 victory at Kansas City Stadium.

Messi connected with Alexis Mac Allister for an early goal, but the Swiss, known as the Rossocrociati, responded through Dan Ndoye’s 67th-minute equaliser. Five minutes later, Breel Embolo’s second yellow card left Switzerland a man down, forcing them to defend deep and aim for a penalty shootout.

However, Julián Álvarez had other intentions, scoring a magnificent 112th-minute goal to break the deadlock. Lautaro Martínez added a late strike to secure Argentina’s place in the semifinals without the need for penalties.

Messi’s first experience of the storied Argentina-England rivalry lived up to expectations as the two-time Landon Donovan MLS MVP inspired his nation to a dramatic 2-1 semifinal victory.

With England leading 1-0 through Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute goal, Argentina faced elimination with just minutes remaining. Yet Messi once again rose to the occasion, delivering an assist for Enzo Fernández’s 85th-minute equaliser before lofting a perfect cross for Lautaro Martínez to head home the match-winner in the 92nd minute.

“We thought what happened against Egypt was the best we’d ever seen – something we’d never experience again,” head coach Lionel Scaloni told reporters. “But this surpassed it. Considering the quality of the opponent and the fact it was a semifinal, I’m not sure we’ve ever witnessed anything like this before.”

Now, Argentina and their captain Lionel Messi stand just one match away from achieving ultimate footballing immortality as they prepare to face Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.