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Lionel Messi prepares for likely final World Cup match at MetLife Stadium

CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 18, 2026, 1:32 PM

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

Lionel Messi prepares for likely final World Cup match at MetLife Stadium

Summary

Lionel Messi is set to play what could be his final World Cup game on Sunday against Spain at MetLife Stadium, marking a decade since his international retirement announcement. Once burdened by failures, Messi has since led Argentina to two Copa America titles and a World Cup win. His recent performances have solidified his status as one of the tournament's greatest scorers. The match holds significant meaning as it takes place in the same venue where Messi retired from international duty after the 2016 Copa America final.

Source Links

CBS Sports

By the Numbers

•Messi could play his final World Cup game on Sunday.
•Argentina aims for back-to-back World Cups since the 1970s.
•The match is at MetLife Stadium, site of Messi's 2016 retirement.
•Messi's leadership led Argentina to multiple titles since his return.
•This game is against Spain in the World Cup final.

Latest Updates

1:32 PMCBS Sports — Lionel Messi's international career comes full circle at MetLife Stadium a decade after Argentina retirement

What they're saying

"
Messi is set to play what will likely be his final World Cup game on Sunday in the final against Spain, 10 years after quitting the national team after a series of crushing defeats
— CBS Sportsby Pardeep Cattry

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