Lionel Messi is set to play in his third World Cup Final on Sunday, a truly monumental achievement that solidifies his place in soccer history. It’s Argentina versus Spain, and this is more than just another game: it’s the legendary Messi’s last international match for Argentina, ending his career on the absolute biggest stage.
The GOAT’s Final Bow on the Grandest Stage
The men’s World Cup Final is THE premier spectacle in sports, no argument. Billions tune in every four years, all eyes on who grabs the crown as the planet’s top soccer nation. Messi, already widely considered the best player of all time, making it to his third final in just six years is special. Can you even wrap your head around that? It’s fitting that his final international game is in the most important match in sports. Talk about going out with a bang!
An Exclusive Club of Absolute Legends
This appearance punches Messi’s ticket into one of the most exclusive clubs in all of soccer: he is now only the sixth player in the history of men’s soccer to appear in at least three World Cup Finals. Think about that for a second. The World Cup only rolls around every four years. You need serious longevity and consistency at the absolute highest level to even sniff three finals. It’s a testament to staying at the top for so long.
Here’s the full list of these absolute titans of the game:
- Pelé, Brazil (1958, 1962, 1970)
- Lothar Matthäus and Pierre Littbarski, Germany (1982, 1986, 1990)
- Cafu and Ronaldo, Brazil (1994, 1998, 2002)
- Lionel Messi, Argentina (2014, 2022, 2026)
Who Could Be Next to Join These Icons?
So, with Messi carving out his place in history, who could possibly join this ridiculously exclusive list in the future? All signs point to Kylian Mbappé. The French superstar is only 26 years old, and he’s already played in two World Cup Finals. Given France’s consistent status as a heavyweight in the soccer world, you know he’s going to get more chances. It’s definitely something to keep an eye on as he continues his incredible career.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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