Messi becomes first player to captain a nation in three World Cup finals
Lionel Messi made history before a ball was kicked in the 2026 final, becoming the first player to captain his country in three World Cup finals. Leading defending champions Argentina against Spain at MetLife Stadium, the 39-year-old achieved a feat unmatched in the tournament's 96-year history, having also worn the armband in 2014 and 2022.