Messi Eyes Second World Cup Crown at the Scene of His Lowest Ebb
Lionel Messi could end any debate about whether he is the greatest player of all time if he leads Argentina to World Cup glory again on Sunday at the MetLife Stadium, where a decade ago he tearfully declared his international career over.
Intelligence analysis by Llama

Messi had turned 29 in June 2016 and was already seen as one of the best players ever. He had won the Ballon d’Or five times and led Barcelona to Champions League glory the previous year, the fourth time he had lifted that trophy. But his incredible success in the club game was not matched at international level, where he had endured the pain of three defeats in major tournament final…
Lionel Messi is a 39-year-old soccer player who is trying to win his second World Cup title. He had given up on playing for his country 10 years ago, but then changed his mind and has been playing again ever since. He is now in the final of the World Cup and has a chance to win another title.
Analysis
A $60B Vote of Confidence
Lionel Messi's potential second World Cup crown is a testament to his incredible career and the significance of the World Cup for international football. His journey from a 29-year-old player who had turned his back on the national team to a 39-year-old who is still going strong is a remarkable one. Messi had won the Ballon d’Or five times and led Barcelona to Champions League glory the previous year, the fourth time he had lifted that trophy. However, his incredible success in the club game was not matched at international level, where he had endured the pain of three defeats in major tournament finals with Argentina.
Why Cursor?
Messi's decision to come out of retirement in 2016 was a turning point in his career. He had given serious thought to quitting, but his love for his country and this shirt was too great. The second half of his international career could not have contrasted more starkly with what came before. The 2018 World Cup ended in a last-16 exit to eventual champions France, but Lionel Scaloni’s arrival as coach followed that and led to the revival of Argentina’s fortunes.
The Road Ahead
Messi's potential second World Cup crown is not just a personal achievement, but also a testament to the team's hard work and dedication. The team has kept on winning, delivering another Copa America in 2024, despite Messi coming off injured in the final against Colombia in Miami. This World Cup, the sixth he has appeared at, felt like a victory lap at first for Messi, but he clearly still means business even at 39. He inspired his team to their comeback win over England in the semis and goes into Sunday’s final against Spain with a chance of claiming the tournament’s golden boot.
Key points
- Lionel Messi is a 39-year-old soccer player who is trying to win his second World Cup title.
- He had given up on playing for his country 10 years ago, but then changed his mind and has been playing again ever since.
- Messi is now in the final of the World Cup and has a chance to win another title.
- If Argentina win the World Cup, Messi may even consider playing for another couple of years.
- If Argentina lose the World Cup, Messi's career may be over, and he may not play for his country again.
If Argentina win the World Cup, Messi may even consider playing for another couple of years, as reported by Argentine newspaper Ole.
If Argentina lose the World Cup, Messi's career may be over, and he may not play for his country again.



