Messi Shatters Records for Argentina on the World Cup's Grandest Stage

Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina could potentially mark Lionel Messi's last appearance on the international stage.

The record-breaking eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient turned 39 during the current tournament and may realistically bring the curtain down on his 21-year Argentina career once it concludes. Should that be the case, he'll be eagerly seeking a send-off worthy of his iconic legacy.

Argentina enters Sunday's monumental clash as the underdog, yet Messi's brilliance has helped the team beat the odds on several occasions this summer. One last moment of glory remains entirely plausible, particularly given Messi's impressive tally of eight goals and four assists across seven World Cup matches in North America.

But how has Messi performed in his previous World Cup final appearances?

How Has Messi Fared in Past World Cup Finals?

This is far from Messi's first experience on the grandest stage. The World Cup final has been graced by his extraordinary talent on two prior occasions, though even his wizardry proved insufficient to secure the trophy in the 2014 showpiece against Germany.

Messi had been outstanding on the road to his first-ever World Cup final and was widely expected to guide La Albiceleste to another championship, made even more meaningful by the tournament being staged in neighboring Brazil. The diminutive genius had netted four times in the group stage and contributed an assist in the round of 16 victory over Switzerland.

With Brazil having been comprehensively dismantled in the semifinal by Germany—memorably losing 7–1 in one of the tournament's most iconic matches—Argentina entered its first final since 1990 with a degree of anxiety. That apprehension ultimately proved warranted.

Messi and his teammates were edged out by Germany in extra time, with Mario Götze scoring the decisive goal in the 113th minute. The Inter Miami star, then playing for Barcelona, was unable to conjure his customary magic as Argentina fell heartbreakingly short, yet he was still honored with the Golden Ball as the tournament's standout performer.

Redemption, however, would come for Messi. Many questioned whether the 2022 World Cup would be his final international tournament, particularly after he delivered a remarkable campaign that culminated in him finally lifting the trophy he had long coveted throughout his trophy-laden career.

Messi had found the net five times for Argentina as Lionel Scaloni's side recovered from an early upset against Saudi Arabia to reach the final. Another European opponent awaited, with defending world champions France standing between Messi and glory.

Having struggled to leave his mark on the 2014 final, no such criticism could be directed at him eight years later in Qatar. Following two goal contributions in the semifinal triumph over Croatia, Messi broke the deadlock against France with a composed penalty, which was quickly followed by a goal from Ángel Di María.

A rapid Kylian Mbappé double forced the match into extra time, but Messi once again put Argentina ahead in the 108th minute—only for another strike from his then Paris Saint-Germain teammate Mbappé to send the game to a penalty shootout.

Messi calmly converted his spot kick despite the immense pressure, strolling up to the ball and nonchalantly rolling it past Hugo Lloris. Then all he could do was watch as Emiliano Martínez emerged as the hero, saving from Kingsley Coman and unsettling Aurélien Tchouaméni as Argentina claimed the world title.

Will Messi secure a second victory from three World Cup final appearances on Sunday? Only time will tell.

Messi in World Cup Finals

How Has Argentina Fared in Past World Cup Finals?

Messi's 50% win rate in World Cup finals mirrors the record of the Argentina sides that preceded him. Across six total appearances in the tournament's ultimate match, La Albiceleste have lifted the trophy on three occasions.

Argentina's debut World Cup final appearance came in the very first tournament, where they were defeated 4–2 by fellow South Americans Uruguay. They would have to wait another 48 years before returning to the final.

The 1978 tournament delivered a maiden title for La Albiceleste, even if the competition's structure was vastly different from what modern audiences know. Four groups were reduced to two in the second round, with the winners of those groups then competing for the championship. Argentina faced the Netherlands, triumphing 3–1 after extra time.

Diego Maradona's brilliance brought Argentina another world title in 1986, with the legend's celebrated quarterfinal display against England followed by victories over Belgium and, most importantly, Germany. However, Die Mannschaft exacted its revenge four years later, defeating Argentina 1–0 in the final in Rome.

Argentina in World Cup Finals Before Messi