Lionel Messi expressed immense pride after leading Argentina into the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, although his heartfelt comments about Barcelona also drew significant attention from the Blaugrana camp.
Argentina earned a dramatic 2-1 victory over England to secure a place in their second consecutive World Cup final, preserving their ambition of retaining the title they won in Qatar four years ago.
The triumph has brought Messi closer to adding another historic milestone to a career already decorated with extraordinary achievements.
Speaking after the match, the Argentina captain highlighted the qualities that have carried the team throughout the tournament, praising their unity, resilience, and determination.
“It’s incredible what this team has been doing, and today is yet another display of character, determination, unity, strength, and football—because we went out and earned it through our play and with patience,” he emphasised.
Argentina’s final obstacle in their pursuit of back-to-back World Cup titles will be Spain, a national side Messi is highly familiar with due to his long association with Spanish football.
Having spent the majority of his career at Barcelona, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has competed against and shared the pitch with several members of Spain’s squad.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s final, Messi acknowledged Spain’s quality and described them as one of the most complete teams in world football.
“They are a tremendous team with outstanding players and great style of play—a team I know well.
“It’s a football philosophy; they’ve been playing this way for many years, and I know the players,” he said.
The Argentine icon also revealed that his connection with Barcelona remains strong despite his departure from the club several years ago.
“I also know the players. I’ve faced many of them before, and I still follow them.
“Some play for Barça, a club I’ve always loved and continue to follow,” Messi said, adding that “it will be a special game, very evenly matched.”
Messi is now set to feature in his third FIFA World Cup final, having previously suffered defeat against Germany in 2014 before finally lifting the trophy with Argentina in Qatar eight years later.
By reaching another final, the 39-year-old will match Brazil legend Cafu’s record as one of only two players in history to appear in three World Cup finals.
