Lionel Messi Argentina is poised to equal a record held solely by Cafu since 2002. Having qualified for the 2026 World Cup final after their stunning victory against England, Argentina will face Spain on Sunday, July 19th. Barring any last-minute withdrawals, their captain will become only the second player in history to play in three World Cup finals.
A third final, 12 years after the first
Lionel Messi's first World Cup final was in 2014 in Brazil. Argentina lost to Germany after a goal by Mario Götze in extra time. Messi left without the trophy, despite being named the tournament's best player. Eight years later, in Qatar, the Argentinian striker reached the final again, this time against France. Scoring two goals in a spectacular match that ended 3-3, he then converted his penalty and lifted the World Cup for the first time after Argentina's victory. In 2026, at 39 years old, Messi will play in his third final against Spain. He will thus join Cafu as the only footballer to have participated in three World Cup finals.
Cafu, three consecutive finals with Brazil
The Brazilian defender achieved this feat in three consecutive editions: 1994, 1998, and 2002. A substitute at the start of the 1994 tournament, Cafu quickly came on after Jorginho's injury and contributed to Brazil's victory against Italy. A starter four years later, he experienced defeat against France at the Stade de France. In 2002, Cafu wore the captain's armband and lifted the trophy after Brazil's victory against Germany. His record thus stands at two World Cup titles in three finals played.
Two assists to overturn England
Lionel Messi didn't score in the semi-final against England, but he played a crucial role in Argentina's qualification. Trailing after Anthony Gordon opened the scoring in the 55th minute, the Albiceleste pressed forward in the final stages of the match. Messi set up Enzo Fernández for the equalizer in the 85th minute. In stoppage time, the Argentine captain provided another assist, this time for Lautaro Martínez, who scored the winning goal. Argentina won 2-1 and qualified for their second consecutive World Cup final.
A new historic duel against Spain
The final will pit reigning world champions Argentina against Spain, who qualified after their 2-0 victory against France. Messi will attempt to win a second consecutive World Cup and equal Cafu's record of two titles in his three finals. Argentina could also become the first team to retain their world title since Brazil, winners in 1958 and 1962. For Messi, this match could be his final World Cup appearance in an international career that began in the competition in 2006.
