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When Lionel Messi was forced onto his weaker foot by Nico O'Reilly and Djed Spence on the right side of the penalty area in the 92nd minute of added time, England supporters collectively held their breath. The Three Lions had four of their tallest defenders guarding the six-yard box, and Argentina’s skipper needed a pinpoint cross to find Lautaro Martinez at the far post — his only realistic target. But as we’ve come to expect, Messi can summon perfection whenever he chooses.

Sure enough, his delivery met Martinez’s forehead perfectly, and the ball flew past Jordan Pickford into the net, sealing Argentina’s 2-1 comeback victory and booking their place in the 2026 World Cup final. Most of the Argentina players and staff sprinted to embrace Messi rather than Martinez, proof of the god-like reverence he continues to command at 39 — the man who once again dragged his nation over the line almost single-handedly.

Messi completely dismantled England in the last half-hour. While Thomas Tuchel’s cautious tactics certainly helped, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner exploited them with ruthless precision. A ninth Golden Ball could be waiting later this year, as he has been the most influential player in this expanded global tournament.

Another inspired performance in the final against Spain — and his apparent Barcelona successor Lamine Yamal — would all but guarantee it. Argentina enter as underdogs, but if Spain give them even the slightest opportunity, they will seize the golden trophy, driven by unshakable belief and Messi’s insatiable will to win.

Unmatched determination

Before Wednesday’s semi-final, Argentina’s campaign in North America had been underwhelming. They breezed through a favourable group but struggled in the knockout rounds against Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland, twice needing extra time to progress.

At Qatar 2022, they appeared more balanced. Nine members of that victorious squad didn’t travel to the 2026 edition — most notably the retired Ángel Di María, Messi’s trusted long-time partner on the right.

Without Di María, Argentina have lacked width, and their narrow midfield shape has left spaces for lesser sides to exploit. However, no team can match their relentless grit. Argentina never concede defeat easily and often rise to their best under immense pressure.

They also have Messi — the calmest presence on the pitch. He leads by example, always demanding the ball, always pushing forward. Lionel Scaloni’s men feed off his aura, transforming into relentless warriors who refuse to stop until they triumph.

The fearless maestro

Messi’s combination of enduring quality and humility is almost beyond explanation. In contrast to Cristiano Ronaldo’s visible decline, Messi has never succumbed to self-adulation.

The most decorated footballer ever simply takes each match as it comes, adapting effortlessly. At this tournament, the Inter Miami star has walked more than any other player, often appearing subdued — as he did in the first half against England — yet he always finds another gear when it matters.

His execution in the final third remains unmatched. Against England, he registered two assists and nine completed dribbles — a record for a World Cup knockout game. He currently leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals and four assists, just one behind assists leader Michael Olise.

By all measures, he has done enough to claim his third World Cup Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. Beyond the numbers, every action he takes serves a purpose. Where others might play safe passes, Messi looks to break lines or glide past defenders with trademark brilliance.

He is football’s ultimate risk-taker — even after two decades of excellence, opponents remain powerless to contain him when he’s in full flight.

'I just want to enjoy myself'

Many credit Messi’s longevity to his natural gift, but his perseverance and work ethic are often underestimated. He delayed confirming his participation in a sixth World Cup, insisting he’d only play if he could still perform at the highest level. Over the past five weeks, he has proven that emphatically, now savouring the results of his dedication.

“I’ve been preparing and training for a year, giving everything to be in top shape,” he said after the win over England. “Right now, I just want to enjoy myself. I’m not talking about it being my last World Cup. This team gives everything — we owe nothing to anyone.”

“This team never gives up; we aimed to win it with our football and determination, and we’re in another World Cup final. We pushed England back into their own half and showed we could win in regulation. We had the composure and character to come from behind — we truly enjoyed it.”

In Qatar, Messi was a man possessed, chasing the last missing trophy of his career — all business, little joy. This time, with that burden gone, he seems freer and more joyous, though his competitive fire still burns fiercely.

Remarkably, he’s shown no sign of fatigue. England faced one of the most energetic versions of Messi this summer. Despite logging 420 minutes through the knockouts, he looks to be peaking just in time for the final. Spain will not intimidate him.

“It’s a team I know well — they’ve played this way for years,” he added. “I know their players; I’ve faced them, I follow them, and several are from Barca — the team I love. It will be a special and balanced match.”

Yamal’s challenge ahead

Argentina will not allow Spain to dominate as they did against France in the other semi-final. The French frontline — Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise — were neutralised completely as Spain outplayed the 2018 champions.

France looked psychologically burdened by past defeats to La Roja, at Euro 2024 and the Nations League. Argentina will have no such baggage. If they replicate their intensity from the England game, Spain will find it difficult to play their fluid football.

Scaloni will undoubtedly have a plan for Yamal. The Barcelona prodigy, still recovering from injury earlier in the tournament, has shown flashes of brilliance but hasn’t been consistently sharp. He’s worked tirelessly for Luis de la Fuente’s side but will likely fall short of Messi in the Golden Ball race.

Yamal’s Ballon d’Or hopes are slim unless he scores multiple goals in a Spain victory — his 42 club-level goal contributions last season are far behind Harry Kane’s 68 for Bayern Munich. If Messi proves decisive again, he could surpass the England captain, whose quiet knockout displays may cost him dearly.

Messi’s MLS magic

Messi beat Erling Haaland to the 2023 Ballon d’Or primarily because of his World Cup triumph and also tallied 41 goals and assists in his final PSG season, winning Ligue 1. His 2026 campaign with Inter Miami has been similarly spectacular.

Under the ownership of Sir David Beckham, Inter Miami clinched their first MLS Cup, powered by Messi’s brilliance. He set a new postseason record with 13 goal involvements in six matches and claimed the Golden Boot for 29 goals in the regular season, despite battling injuries that led some to speculate about retirement.

After a brief rest, he began the 2026 MLS season in peak condition, playing nearly every minute of Miami’s first 15 matches and contributing 20 more goals and assists. While MLS may not rival Europe’s elite leagues, Messi’s extraordinary performances have elevated both his team and the league’s profile.

All of this strengthens his Ballon d’Or case — though he hardly needs it. Outperforming Yamal, Mbappé, and the next generation’s stars on the grandest stage makes him a clear favourite among the international panel of journalists set to vote.

A legendary leader

Elite teams often build around their star, but Argentina’s devotion to Messi transcends that norm. Every player sacrifices for him, ensuring he can express himself freely. They’ve united around his quest, putting egos aside to support their captain unconditionally.

Guiliano Simeone was visibly emotional on live television after the England match. “We know Messi is 39, he has achieved everything a player could dream of, and still fights as the best,” he said tearfully. “All we can do is give our all — run for him and for Argentina.”

The squad has even adopted a new anthem for this World Cup, titled La Cuarta Estrella, celebrating the pursuit of a fourth star on their shirt and honouring legends like Diego Maradona and Messi himself.

Has any active player ever been held in such mythical regard — and actually lived up to it? Messi continues to redefine greatness, transcending football itself. Regardless of Sunday’s result in his third World Cup final, he has already done enough to merit a ninth Ballon d’Or.