Lionel Messi makes history before kick-off, becoming the first captain to lead a nation to three World Cup finals

ByTech Word News

Argentine Lionel Messi (AP photo) Lionel Messi added another extraordinary chapter to his glittering career before a ball was even kicked in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday, becoming the first player in history to captain his country in three World Cup finals.When Messi stepped up to lead defending champions Argentina against Spain at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, the 39-year-old pulled off a feat unmatched by any captain in the tournament’s 96-year history. The Argentine superstar previously wore the captain’s armband at the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil and the memorable 2022 title clash against France in Qatar. Sunday’s showdown marked his third appearance as captain on football’s biggest stage, marking new ground in World Cup history.Messi’s first World Cup final as captain ended in heartbreak, with Argentina suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Germany after extra time at the Maracana. Eight years later, he completed football’s ultimate redemption story by inspiring Argentina to a dramatic victory over France on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw, scoring twice in one of the greatest World Cup finals ever played.Now, with another final on the horizon, Messi has the chance to become only the third captain to lift back-to-back World Cup trophies and further cement his legacy by leading Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles.

Another chapter in an extraordinary World Cup legacy

Messi was once again the driving force behind Argentina’s campaign. By the time he reached the final, he had scored eight goals and provided four assists, leaving him just two goals behind France captain Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.Argentina booked their place in the final with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over England. After falling behind in the first half, Enzo Fernandez equalized before Lautaro Martinez hit the stoppage-time winner to send Lionel Scaloni’s side into another World Cup final.Spain, meanwhile, reached their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010 after beating France 2-0 in a composite semi-final. Lamine Yamal starred as he won a penalty converted by Mikel Oyarzabal before Pedro Porro sealed victory in the second half. Spain’s defense also impressed, recording its sixth clean sheet in seven games.

Scaloni makes three changes to settle the titles

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni made three changes to the squad that beat England, recalling Gonzalo Montiel, Rodrigo De Paulo and Nicolas Gonzalez to the starting XI.Messi once again led the team, partnering Julian Alvarez in attack, while Emiliano Martinez started in goal behind a defense that included Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Nicolas Tagliafico.

  • Argentina starting XI: Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Giuliano Simeone, Alexis MacAllister, Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.