Messi pays tribute to Argentina team in emotional pre-final post

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has paid tribute to his team and their success over recent years in an emotional Instagram post ahead of Sunday's World Cup final against Spain.

"Whatever happens tomorrow, this group has already written a story that we will never forget and that nobody can erase. LET'S GO ARGENTINA," the 39-year-old veteran posted alongside a photo of all the Argentina players, coaches and support staff.

The final in East Rutherford, just outside of New York, pits title holders Argentina against European champions Spain.

The current generation of players won the World Cup in 2022 and two Copa Américas in 2021 and 2024. Prior to that, Messi had not won a single title with the national team, except for Olympic gold in 2008 in what was an under-23 tournament.

"The best thing about all these years has never been just the titles, but the whole journey. Sharing day-to-day life with this group, competing together, pulling ourselves up through the difficult times and enjoying every step of the way," wrote the eightfold winner of the Ballon d'Or world player of the year award.

"Thank you to each and every one of my team-mates, the coaching staff and everyone who works every day to ensure that this national team remains a family," he concluded.

Messi's post was considered a hint that the captain could end his national team career after a sixth World Cup and 207 caps spanning 21 years.

Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, posted crying emojis and the Argentinian FA: "All together."

The Clarin paper said: “His message, which comes from the heart and is well thought out, has a touch of farewell about it that is deeply moving.

“The journey he began 20 years ago with the 2006 World Cup could come to an end in New Jersey. Whilst this was to be expected, reading it is quite another matter.”

Pagina12 wrote: "For crying out loud, Messi. Commotion over what could be the captain’s final match for the national team.”