Lionel Messi's Record in Major Finals for Argentina

Lionel Messi will lead Argentina out in the 2026 World Cup final tonight, bidding to etch another massive moment into a career packed full of them. Ahead of facing Spain, we've looked back at Messi's record in major finals for Argentina.

What happened in Messi's major finals?

Messi's first major final with the national team ended in disappointment as Argentina were thrashed by arch-rivals Brazil in the 2007 Copa America. Goals from Julio Baptista and Dani Alves, alongside an own goal from Roberto Ayala, secured a statement win for Brazil. Messi, then just 20, played the entire 90 minutes but was unable to make an impact.

In the 2014 World Cup, Messi's next final for Argentina did not arrive until the final match against Germany. The 27-year-old was named as winner of the World Cup's Golden Ball after leading Argentina to the decider, but it ended in heartbreak as Germany secured an extra-time win. Mario Gotze's goal crowned Germany world champions.

Chile secured their first Copa América title in history after a penalty shootout win over Messi and Argentina in the 2015 final. Messi was the only Argentine to convert from the spot, as Gonzalo Higuain blazed over and Ever Banega was denied by Claudio Bravo. Alexis Sanchez stepped up to crown Chile champions and extend Argentina's trophy drought to 22 years.

Why it matters for Lionel Messi

Messi announced his retirement from international football after Argentina lost the 2016 Copa America final to Chile. It was another shootout defeat for Argentina, and a third major final loss in consecutive years. Messi missed his kick in the shootout as Argentina agonisingly lost again, in what was the Copa América Centenario to celebrate a century of the tournament.

However, Messi reversed his decision and returned to international football. He finally got his hands on silverware with the national team after lifting the 2021 Copa America. Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 to end a 28-year wait for a major trophy. Angel Di Maria scored the decisive goal.

What comes next for Lionel Messi?

The pinnacle of Messi's international career arrived in Qatar in 2022, as Argentina secured their third world title. It was a tournament that Messi defined, scoring seven goals to win the Golden Boot. Messi netted twice in an epic final win over France, as Argentina edged the shootout to become world champions for the first time since 1986.

For Messi, arguably the game's greatest-ever talent, it was success on the biggest stage of all. He will lead Argentina into the 2026 World Cup final, seeking another historic moment.

Argentina's recent success

Argentina's Copa America win saw them take on European champions Italy in the 2022 intercontinental clash, revived as the Finalissima. A one-sided win for Argentina saw Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria, and Paulo Dybala on target.

Argentina's recent success has seen them become a force to be reckoned with in international football. With Messi at the helm, they will be looking to add to their trophy collection in the 2026 World Cup final.