Extended Indian Summer: Messi returns to World Cup summit once again

When Argentina suffered defeat in the 2016 Copa America final at MetLife Stadium, Lionel Messi’s international future appeared to be over. The devastated 29-year-old, after another painful loss in a major final, tearfully announced his retirement from international football, saying: “I’ve done all I can.”

At that stage, Messi had already achieved almost everything possible at the club and individual level, but international glory remained out of reach. After losing three Copa America finals and the 2014 World Cup final, many believed the Argentine superstar was destined to finish his career without a major international trophy.

However, an emotional comeback followed after Argentina’s fans and football authorities urged him to return. Now, years later, Messi will step onto the same ground, now renamed New York-New Jersey Stadium for this tournament, aiming to win his second consecutive World Cup title.

The debate over football’s greatest-ever player may never end, but only legends such as Diego Maradona and Pelé have matched Messi’s extraordinary influence on World Cup success. While Spain have built their campaign around a strong collective unit, Argentina’s recent golden era has been inseparable from Messi’s presence.

National icon

Messi’s impact goes far beyond his goals and assists. He has become the symbol around which Argentina’s team has united, repeatedly turning difficult moments into historic victories.

 “It’s all happiness, and it’s all thanks to this group which, in the face of adversity, keeps going and going and never gets tired,” Lautaro Martinez said after scoring the late winner against England in the semi-final from Messi’s assist.

 “We have the best player in the world as our example,” Martinez added.

At 39, Messi has continued to defy expectations, displaying remarkable fitness by playing every minute of Argentina’s knockout matches at this World Cup, including two games that required extra time.

Predicting the future of the Rosario-born superstar has always been difficult, but another World Cup triumph would represent the ultimate achievement in one of football’s greatest careers.

The 2022 World Cup victory, along with Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, completed Messi’s international trophy collection, adding to his legendary club career. His move to Major League Soccer with Inter Miami has come during the later stages of his career, but his influence remains unmatched.

Messi is contracted with Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 MLS season and has not suggested that the World Cup final will be his last appearance for Argentina, a shirt he has worn 206 times over 21 years.

One thing, however, is certain: after everything he has achieved, Messi has fully earned the right to decide when his remarkable international journey comes to an end.