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Messi's 2022 Triumph and the 2026 Final: Argentina's Path Forward
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Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 11:57 GMT by Sporting News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Messi, Argentina, and the 2026 World Cup Final: A Sporting News Snapshot
In a recent Sporting News feature that chronicles the trajectory of Lionel Messi’s career and the prospects for the Argentina national team, the author weaves together past triumphs, current uncertainties, and a speculative look at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The article, titled “Messi, World Cup, Argentina, 2026 Final,” serves as a compact yet comprehensive overview of Messi’s legacy, Argentina’s recent fortunes, and the tantalizing possibility that the 2026 final could mark the culmination of Messi’s international saga.
1. Messi’s International Milestones
The piece opens with a concise recap of Messi’s 2022 World Cup run, highlighting the fact that he led Argentina to victory in Qatar after a 36‑year drought. It points out that Messi’s performance—including a decisive goal and a brace against the Netherlands in the knockout stages—cemented his status as one of the greatest footballers in history. The article underscores the narrative that Messi has “already etched his name in the annals of the sport,” with his record of 12 Ballon d’Or awards and a staggering tally of 860 senior international caps and 103 goals for Argentina.
The writer also touches on Messi’s earlier achievements: the 2005 Copa América victory, the 2014 World Cup final (which Argentina lost to Germany), and the 2015 and 2016 Copa América triumphs that were crucial in bolstering Messi’s international reputation. By placing Messi’s 2022 triumph in the context of his career, the article builds a compelling argument that his legacy is intertwined with Argentina’s success on the world stage.
2. The 2026 World Cup Context
The article then pivots to the upcoming 2026 World Cup, slated to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It points out that Argentina is one of the tournament’s early favorites, with a squad that blends youthful exuberance and seasoned experience. Messi, who is slated to be 39 in 2026, is expected to be a key figure for the squad, whether as a player or in a more symbolic capacity.
A crucial detail mentioned in the article is that Messi has already announced his intention to retire from international football after the 2022 World Cup. This decision, however, is not set in stone, and the article notes the uncertainty that surrounds whether Messi will be present on the pitch in 2026. If he does play, it will be his first international appearance in a World Cup final that could either be a “second triumph” or the last chapter of his storied career.
3. Argentina’s Squad Outlook
The feature goes on to examine Argentina’s roster leading up to the 2026 tournament. It highlights the emergence of young talents such as Julián Álvarez and Lisandro Martínez, both of whom have started making waves in European football. The article also lists current stars—Lionel Messi (if he participates), Paulo Dybala, and Leandro Paredes—as potential key contributors to Argentina’s success. The writer stresses that Argentina’s tactical flexibility, combined with a balanced blend of attack and defense, positions the team as a serious contender for the title.
Additionally, the piece discusses the influence of Argentina’s coaching staff. It names Julian Alvarez as the head coach, noting his defensive background and his previous success in domestic competitions. Alvarez’s strategy is said to rely heavily on a high-pressing style that can stifle opponents and create chances for the midfield maestros.
4. Messi’s Post‑Retirement Vision
A large portion of the article is dedicated to exploring Messi’s possible future beyond the field. The writer cites quotes from Messi himself that suggest he is “open to staying involved with Argentine football,” possibly as a mentor or in a technical capacity. The article also references Messi’s involvement with FC Barcelona’s La Masia during his youth and his commitment to developing future generations of players in the “Messi Academy” that he has reportedly set up.
Moreover, the writer notes that Messi has hinted at a role in the Argentine Football Association (AFA), possibly as a director or ambassador. The article frames these potential roles as an extension of Messi’s desire to contribute to the sport beyond his playing days, while also preserving his legacy within Argentine football.
5. The Final Match’s Significance
The Sporting News piece closes by reflecting on the emotional weight that the 2026 final would carry for Messi, his teammates, and Argentine fans. It reminds readers that Messi’s 2022 victory was an emotional high point, and if he were to win again in 2026, it would be a “historical achievement” for both Messi and Argentina. The article underscores how the 2026 final could serve as a momentous conclusion to Messi’s international career and could shape the national conversation around Argentine football for years to come.
6. Linking to Related Content
Throughout the article, the writer includes several hyperlinks to related stories on Sporting News, such as:
- Messi’s 2022 World Cup moments – a recap of his standout performances.
- Argentina’s path to the 2026 final – a preview of the group-stage opponents and likely match-ups.
- The rise of Julián Álvarez – an in‑depth profile of the young striker’s development.
These links enrich the narrative, offering readers quick access to supplementary information that provides deeper context for Messi’s achievements and Argentina’s future prospects.
Final Thoughts
In sum, Sporting News delivers a well‑structured, thoughtful article that contextualizes Lionel Messi’s career milestones and speculates on the significance of the 2026 World Cup final for him and Argentina. By blending historical data, current squad analysis, and forward‑looking insights into Messi’s post‑retirement ambitions, the article offers readers a nuanced perspective that goes beyond a simple recounting of facts. It invites fans to contemplate the legacy of one of football’s greatest icons and to consider the possibilities that lie ahead for both Messi and the Argentine national team.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/messi-world-cup-argentina-2026-final/11f6fbca0b9b99041338ae0b ]
