There have been so many legends, big names, memorable moments and championship dynasties in football that nothing can match what Argentina and Lionel Messi will do in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After years of failures, near misses and pressure to make it in football history, Argentina finally reached the summit of the world football landscape in Qatar in 2022. That achievement was the culmination of a long journey that saw La Albiceleste reach three World Cup finals in eight years—falling short in 2014, suffering another devastating setback before finally lifting the most prestigious title in football under Messi’s leadership. Four years later Argentina are on the brink of writing another extraordinary story in football history.
Messi’s latest landmark came in Dallas, and once again showed the world why he is one of the greatest players of all time. The Argentina captain scored twice against Austria to secure Argentina’s entry into the knockout rounds and become the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. Messi broke Miroslav Klose’s record with 18 goals in 31 World Cup matches but still managed another big achievement in such a long career of historic achievements. Messi did not take a penalty in a record-breaking night, something that Messi later joked could have helped him in finding the chances that gave him his brace.
But more than the achievements of individual records, what makes this World Cup campaign so compelling is the possibility of Argentina winning a third World Cup. Since winning the 2022 World Cup, Lionel Scaloni’s team has always had a unity that has been together in this World Cup campaign, and the group winning from the tournament has been an indication of the unity and maturity of a team that is very much aware of what it takes to win.
If Argentina can defend their title in 2026, the team would be remembered as one of the greatest in football history. It will not only cement Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest players in the sport but also give a new generation of Argentine players a place in the history of the game’s greatest teams. From the pain of losing the final to the glory of winning the world title and possibly defending it with the best player in the world, Argentina’s story would be a lesson for every person on the planet of perseverance, redemption and greatness. With the tournament on the way, football fans around the world are watching closely, because Messi is once again able to reach back.
