'Thanks to each one of my teammates...': Lionel Messi pens heartfelt post ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 final

Argentina will lock horns against Spain in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday, July 20 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford. Ahead of the blockbuster clash, Lionel Messi has shared an emotional post addressing the entire national team for one last time before the tournament comes to a historic close.

Lionel Messi's emotional Instagram post

Before the blockbuster clash of the 2025, the Argentine icon shared an Instagram post with an emotional caption, expressing his love towards every Argentina player who gave their heart and soul during the most difficult times. Messi explained how he loved taking every step with the team.

"The most beautiful thing about all these years was, never just the titles, but the entire journey. Sharing day-to-day life with this group, competing together, picking ourselves in the difficult moments, and enjoying every step," wrote Lionel Messi.

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While continuing, the 39-year-forward thanked the players and the entire coaching staff for their relentless hard work. While concluding, Messi wrote that this Argentina national team has achieved something which would be very difficult to recreate in the coming future.

"Thanks to each one of my teammates, to the coaching staff, and to all the great people who work every day to keep this National Team as a family. Whatever happens tomorrow, this group has already written a story that we will never forget and that no one will be able to erase," added Lionel Messi

Irrespective of what happens in the final against Spain, Lionel Messi has cemented himself as the greatest player of all time. The ability to do amazing stuff throughout 20 years shows an extreme level of longevity. Messi will be the forever favorite chapter of the sport.

Lionel Messi's best FIFA World Cup campaign

The 39-year-old forward enjoyed his best individual campaign in the 2026 edition, scoring eight goals and four assists so far in the tournament. The Inter Miami skipper is the hot favorite to win the Best Player award (Golden Ball), as he single handedly carried the entire Argentina national team to the final.

Now, Messi could create history by leading Argentina to the fourth World title by being the best player of the tournament for the second time in a row. In the 2022 edition, where Argentina emerged victorious, Messi happened won the Golden Ball award for the second time in his international career.