Football World Cup Final Tickets: That's why he's the king. Messi sets up third World Cup final

Author : FIFA World Cup Tickets | Published On : 16 Jul 2026

Football World Cup Final Tickets: Four years ago, it felt as if Lionel Messi’s story was told. He had finally won the World Cup, aged 35, in what he said was his last game in the tournament, and depending on your point of view, cemented his place as football’s greatest ever player.

Lionel Messi Inspires Argentina’s Comeback Against England

Four years before that, aged 31, many, including those around him, felt he had played his final World Cup game and would end his career without winning it. And here he is at 39, having helped take England to the cleaners and send Argentina to their second World Cup final in a row.

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Messi’s two assists helped the South American side come from behind to win 2-1, taking him up to four assists at the 2026 World Cup to go with his eight goals. The joint top scorer and the second highest assister in the whole show. Argentina will play Spain, the country where Messi has played most of his football with Barcelona, in Sunday’s final in New Jersey.

Record-Breaking Performance Strengthens Messi’s World Cup Legacy

He’s the best player in history. I don’t know what else he would have to do to prove that. The majority of Spaniards love him, said his national team boss Lionel Scaloni. BBC pundit Micah Richards said: They have Lionel Messi. They have the ‘GOAT’. The greatest of all time. It’s about moments. We thought it could have been Jude Bellingham or Harry Kane, but this is why he is the king.

Former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain forward Messi had never played England in his career before, and Thomas Tuchel and every Three Lions fan will wish that was still the case. The veteran showed a few quality touches in an attritional first half playing more centrally, but it was after Anthony Gordon gave England a 55th-minute lead that Argentina came to life. Click to read more about the Football World Cup Final Tickets.

As Tuchel sent on more defenders and England sat back, Argentina had 88% possession for the following 37 minutes. And Messi had a field day after moving out to the right wing. Getting Messi on the wing was the key for us, said goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez afterwards.

How Messi Reinvented His Game to Dominate at 39

He completed nine dribbles and assisted two goals against England, the first player on record (from 1966 onwards) to do so in a single World Cup knockout game. The entire England team combined completed seven successful dribbles in Atlanta. Messi had seven touches in the opposition box, the same as every English player added together. Ditto his four chances created.

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He also put in a game-high nine crosses. And by far the most important, he set up both of Argentina’s goals. The first was from a corner routine when he found Enzo Fernandez, who slammed in an 85th-minute equaliser from outside the box. And then he crossed for Lautaro Martinez to head in an injury-time winner.

Ex-England defender Richards said: He walks around the pitch and then he comes alive when the ball comes to his feet. This genius comes into play, and sometimes that is just the difference. Former England keeper Joe Hart added: The guys went back to what they did against Mexico and Norway, where they locked the door.

Argentina Set Up World Cup Final Clash With Spain

What that did was free up Lionel Messi, who had the skeleton key; he absolutely ran the show for the last 15 minutes. England captain Kane added: For large parts of the game, we dealt with him really well, but as always with the most dangerous players in the world, when they have the ball, they can create something. He’s one of the best players ever for a reason.

This summer, Messi became the all-time top scorer at World Cups with 21 goals (out of his 125 Argentina goals in total). Fifteen of those 21 have come since his 35th birthday. Eight have been at this tournament, passing the seven he scored in 2022, which was just one short of Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race.

This time, Messi and Mbappe are level on eight goals. Mbappe’s France play England on Saturday in the third-place play-off. England’s Bellingham and Kane are on six goals each and not out of the picture. If players finish level on goals, the tie-breaker is assists, with Messi on four to Mbappe’s three.

How did Lionel Messi help Argentina beat England in the 2026 World Cup semifinal?

Lionel Messi provided two crucial assists, created several scoring opportunities, completed nine successful dribbles, and played a key role in Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England.

How many goals has Lionel Messi scored at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Messi has scored eight goals during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making him one of the tournament’s leading scorers.

Who will Argentina face in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final?

Argentina will face Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with the match set to take place in New Jersey.

What records did Lionel Messi set against England?

Messi became the first player on record since 1966 to complete nine dribbles and provide two assists in a single World Cup knockout match.

How old is Lionel Messi during the 2026 World Cup?

Lionel Messi is 39 years old during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, continuing to perform at the highest level despite being one of the tournament’s oldest players.

How has Messi changed his playing style over the years?

Rather than relying on constant movement, Messi now conserves energy, operates in central and wide attacking areas, and uses his vision, passing, and decision-making to influence matches.

Can Lionel Messi still win the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup?

Yes. Messi is level with Kylian Mbappe on eight goals, and if they finish tied, assists could determine the Golden Boot winner, giving Messi a strong chance of claiming the award.

How many World Cup finals has Lionel Messi played in?

The 2026 final will be Messi’s third FIFA World Cup final, making him only the second player after Cafu to achieve that milestone.

Could the 2026 World Cup be Lionel Messi’s final international tournament?

While many expect the 2026 final to be Messi’s last World Cup appearance, he has repeatedly surprised fans throughout his career, so no official decision has been confirmed.

How can fans sell FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets safely?

Fans can sell FIFA World Cup tickets through trusted platforms like Xchangetickets. These marketplaces connect buyers and sellers for group, knockout, and final.