The striker helped his team reach the final for a sixth time on Tuesday night by scoring from the penalty spot during their 3-0 win over Croatia in the semi-finals.

Messi admitted that the 2026 World Cup it too far away in the future and Sunday’s match will be his last.

“I feel very happy, to be able to achieve this, to finish my World Cup journey by playing my last game in a final.

“It's many years for the next one and I don't think I'll be able to do it. And to finish like this, it's the best.”

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is set to become the player with the most World Cup appearances.

On Tuesday night he equaled the record of the German great, Lothar Matthäus, for 25 starts at a World Cup.

On Sunday Messi will break the record during the final that will be played against the winner of Wednesday's semi-final between France and Morocco. Kick-off for this match at the Al Bayt Stadium is at 21:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport