Lionel Messi's Historic Return to MetLife Stadium for FIFA World Cup Final

Lionel Messi's return to MetLife Stadium for the FIFA World Cup final against Spain is a poignant moment in his career. This venue holds significant memories for Messi, as it was here that he announced his retirement from international football a decade ago. After a tumultuous journey filled with highs and lows, including a stunning comeback to lead Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, Messi now has the chance to rewrite history. This article explores his remarkable journey, the challenges he faced, and the legacy he continues to build in the world of football.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 19, 2026, 17:56 IST

A Momentous Occasion for Messi

As Argentina faces Spain in the FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, all eyes will be on the iconic Lionel Messi. For the 39-year-old, this match represents more than just a chance to make history; it marks a return to the venue where he announced his retirement from international football a decade ago. Back in 2016, Argentina suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Chile in the Copa America final, having previously lost in the finals of the 2015 Copa America and the 2014 World Cup. During that match, Chile triumphed in penalties, with Messi missing his shot by sending it over the bar. Following a goalless extra time, he declared, "For me, the national team is done," signaling a potential end to his international career. At just 29, the weight of criticism from Argentine fans seemed to take its toll, and the loss to Chile felt like a significant turning point. However, for the former Barcelona star, it was merely the start of a new chapter.

Messi's Change of Heart

Just two months later, Messi reversed his decision amid public and political pressure. Argentina was struggling to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, and on the final day of qualifying in Quito, Messi delivered a stunning performance. He scored a hat-trick to lead Argentina to a 3-1 comeback victory after they fell behind early, securing their spot in the World Cup. Unfortunately, the 2018 tournament ended in disappointment as Argentina was knocked out in the Round of 16 under coach Jorge Sampaoli. Yet, the best was yet to come.

The Resurgence of Messi and Argentina

Lionel Scaloni was initially appointed as an interim coach by the Argentina Football Association, and few expected him to succeed. However, he proved his critics wrong by not making the team solely dependent on Messi but rather building it around him. With a solid core of players like Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, and Rodrigo De Paul, Argentina triumphed over Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final, ending a 28-year trophy drought. The pinnacle of their success came a year later when Messi led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. They further solidified their dominance by winning the Copa America again in 2024. Now, fate has brought Messi back to the stadium where his journey took a downturn, offering him a chance to rewrite history. Only Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962) have achieved the feat of winning the FIFA World Cup consecutively.