Argentina stands one victory away from an exceptional achievement: winning back-to-back World Cups, a feat accomplished previously only by Italy and Brazil. Lionel Messi, now 39, carries the team into Sunday's final against Spain and continues his late-career resurgence, having scored eight goals across seven matches whilst chasing the all-time tournament scoring record. Should Argentina prevail, he would become the first captain to lift the World Cup trophy on two separate occasions, capping a remarkable tournament performance.

Uncertainty persists regarding Messi's future with Argentina's national team, though football analysts and coaches offer conflicting perspectives. Some observers, including expert Guillem Balague, believe Messi's demonstrated passion and fitness suggest he may compete in 2030, which would make him the oldest outfield player ever to appear at a World Cup at age 43. Coach Lionel Scaloni has declined to confirm whether this final will be Messi's last international match, leaving the question of his next chapter unresolved.