Lionel Messi has set up a third World Cup final for Argentina, this time against Spain, after a stunning comeback against England in the semi-final.
At 39 years old, Messi continues to defy expectations, having previously played in the World Cup final in 2022 and 2018. According to reports, this will be his last World Cup, with the player stating, “It’s my last World Cup. It’s impressive to end up playing a final. There’s a long way to go for the next one, there are many years.” This time around, however, he has helped Argentina reach the final, where they will face Spain on Sunday.
The semi-final match against England was a thrilling encounter, with Argentina scoring twice in six minutes and 24 seconds to take the lead. England had initially taken the lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute, but Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez curled in a stunning equaliser from outside the box on 85 minutes. The Argentine team then scored a second goal, sending them to the final.
Messi‘s performance on the right wing was instrumental in Argentina’s comeback, with BBC Sport describing it as a “masterclass.” The 39-year-old’s ability to continue performing at the highest level has cemented his reputation as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Former NFL player Robert Griffin III has even gone as far as to call Messi the “certified GOAT” (Greatest of All Time), citing his consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
Argentina’s journey to the World Cup final has been nothing short of remarkable, with Messi leading the team from the front. Despite his age, he continues to inspire his teammates and leave fans in awe with his incredible skills on the pitch. The final against Spain is expected to be an intense and closely contested match, with both teams determined to lift the World Cup trophy.
The semi-final match against England was a testament to Messi’s enduring ability to perform at the highest level. His commitment to the sport and his willingness to continue pushing himself to new heights have earned him a reputation as one of the greatest footballers of all time. As Argentina prepares to face Spain in the final, Messi’s legacy continues to grow, inspiring a new generation of footballers and fans around the world.
Source: BBC
