This is familiar territory for Lionel Messi.
It is the third time he has reached the biggest stage in world football. He has been here before, twice.
The first time, in 2014, Germany broke both his and Argentina’s
hearts. The second, he delivered one of the finest performances of his career, dragging Argentina to a penalty shootout against France before his side prevailed in an unforgettable finale in 2022.
Now, in 2026, Messi has once again worked his magic, carrying Argentina into another FIFA World Cup final. Yet, despite having stood on this stage before, the 39-year-old’s excitement remains as raw as ever.
The dream of becoming a world champion still burns just as brightly.
🚨🎥 What a historic clip!
• Messi celebrates wildly after qualifying for the World Cup final.. What passion this man has! 🇦🇷🔥 pic.twitter.com/yfUncNLzU0
— Tiger eye 👁️ (@Tigereye_ball) July 15, 2026
His emotional celebrations after inspiring Argentina’s stunning 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semifinal in Atlanta have gone viral. Every fist pump, every roar, every expression has resonated with fans, who have been struck by just how much the moment still means to a player widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers the game has ever seen.
