Lionel Messi shared an emotional message with his Argentina teammates on the eve of the World Cup final, a match widely anticipated to be his last on the sport's biggest stage. The 39-year-old forward is set to lead Argentina against Spain at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Messi, often regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time, has represented Argentina for 21 years, accumulating 206 appearances. His international career's peak arrived four years ago when he secured the World Cup title. This summer, he has once again guided Argentina to the final.
Alongside a photograph of the Argentina squad and staff, Messi posted on social media, "The best part of all these years wasn't just the titles, but the entire journey. Sharing the day-to-day with this group, competing together, picking ourselves up during tough times, and enjoying every step of the way."
He continued, "Thank you to each of my teammates, the coaching staff, and everyone who works every day to ensure this national team remains a family. No matter what happens tomorrow, this group has already written a story we will never forget - one that no one can erase. LET'S GO ARGENTINA."
Argentina advanced to the final after a late comeback secured a 2-1 semifinal victory over England. Their path to the final also included dramatic wins against Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland.
On Sunday, Messi is scheduled to face Spain's Lamine Yamal, a player he held as a baby nearly two decades prior. "He is one of the best players in the world right now, so I wish him the best. He's only 19 years old and he has all of his future ahead," Messi said of the young Spanish player on Friday. "That picture, it was crazy. Him as a baby, and now we are facing each other. What a crazy picture. I just wish him the best of luck."