Two days before the World Cup final and the likely farewell of Lionel Messi to the biggest stage in football, the Argentine star remains discreet, preferring that his feet speak louder than words. At the Javits Center in New York, Messi was welcomed like a true rock star by hundreds of fans, but he avoided cameras and questions, leaving the spotlight to his teammates and coaches.
Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium pits Argentina against Spain, in a clash that could see the Albiceleste make history as the first team since Pelé's Brazil in 1962 to win two consecutive World Cup titles. At 39 years old, Messi leads his team into their third final in four World Cups, having lost the 2014 final and triumphed four years ago in Qatar. Despite the pressure, the Argentine captain refrained from commenting on the significance of the moment, preferring to let his talent on the pitch speak for itself.
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Lionel Scaloni, the Argentina coach, emphasized the magnitude of Messi: “He is the best footballer the world has ever seen. It is something beautiful, and reaching a final at 39 years old is incredible. We must enjoy him as we did with Diego Maradona. We still miss him, but Messi is with us. He is the legend who has brought these wonderful years.” When asked if this will be Messi's last time wearing the light blue and white jersey, Scaloni replied: “Ask him. I have no idea. He never ceases to surprise us.”
Messi shares the lead in the race for the Golden Boot with Kylian Mbappé, both having scored eight goals, but the Argentine has the edge due to more assists. Additionally, he is one of the main candidates for the Ballon d'Or, potentially winning it for the third time as the tournament's best player. In crucial moments, Messi has been a key player, especially in Argentina's dramatic recoveries, such as the 2-1 victory over England in the semi-finals, where he provided two assists.
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Despite the possibility that this World Cup could mark the end of his international career, Messi will not retire from football, continuing with Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer. Spanish midfielder Rodri summed up the impact of the Argentine: “What Messi represents as a player and for Argentina goes beyond words. For me, he is clearly the greatest of all time.”
A final also features a generational clash, with young Spanish player Lamine Yamal, 19, trying to follow in the footsteps of his Argentine idol. Fate brought them together in an iconic photograph taken in Barcelona when Yamal was still a baby and Messi was 19 years old. When asked about his opponent, Messi stated: “He is one of the best players in the world right now, I wish him the best. He has a bright future ahead of him and the opportunity to make history, but we will also give our best.”
Luis de la Fuente, the Spanish coach, commented on Yamal: “Messi is a unique player in history. He is an example and a role model for young players. In his position, I would tell him to be himself, as he has great potential and a bright future.” Argentine goalkeeper Emi Martínez emphasized that Spain does not rely solely on young talent: “They have a great team and are in the final on merit. I hope it will be a historic final for the fans.”
As Messi approaches the end of his era with Argentina, the World Cup final promises to be an unforgettable moment for world football. Attention will inevitably be focused on the Argentine genius, in one last dance that could further immortalize his legacy.
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