Argentina national team captain Lionel Messi enters the 2026 World Cup final against Spain today (Sunday), carrying a clear goal of retaining the title, relying on an impressive record in finals and a set of rituals he is accustomed to before major matches.

Balanced Record in Finals

Messi has played in eight finals with the Argentina national team, winning four of them after losing four consecutive finals, before leading his country to a series of achievements that began with winning the Copa America 2021, then the World Cup 2022, and the Finalissima 2022, before retaining the Copa America title in 2024.

Details That Don't Change

According to the Spanish newspaper "AS," Messi is keen to maintain the same details that were associated with the periods of victory, as he avoids making any changes to his habits before major tournaments, believing in the importance of mental and psychological stability before decisive encounters.

Repeating Victory Messages

Among these habits, Messi has re-shared the same messages and posts he shared on his social media accounts before winning the World Cup 2022 in Qatar, in an attempt to evoke the atmosphere that accompanied that achievement.

The Argentine team also preferred to stay in the same hotel that hosted them during the Copa America 2024, keeping the same room distribution and numbers, with each player staying in the same room they occupied during the tournament, details that the coaching staff and players were keen to repeat before the final.

Numbers That Determine Major Dates

Messi has an exceptional record in finals, having contributed to scoring 35 goals and assisting 17 goals in the finals he has played with clubs and the national team. He has also won 23 titles with Barcelona out of 31 finals, reflecting his impactful presence in the most important matches and giving Argentina a morale boost before facing Spain for the World Cup title.

Argentina's national team captain Lionel Messi enters the 2026 World Cup final against Spain today (Sunday), carrying a clear goal of retaining the title, relying on an impressive record in finals and a set of rituals he is accustomed to before major matches.

Balanced Record in Finals

Messi has played in eight finals with the Argentina national team, winning four of them after losing four consecutive finals, before leading his country to a series of achievements that began with winning the Copa America 2021, then the World Cup 2022, and the Finalissima 2022, before retaining the Copa America title in 2024.

Details That Don't Change

According to the Spanish newspaper "AS," Messi is keen to maintain the same details that were associated with the periods of victory, as he avoids making any changes to his habits before major tournaments, believing in the importance of mental and psychological stability before decisive encounters.

Repeating Victory Messages

Among these habits, Messi has re-shared the same messages and posts he shared on his social media accounts before winning the World Cup 2022 in Qatar, in an attempt to evoke the atmosphere that accompanied that achievement.

The Argentine team also preferred to stay in the same hotel that hosted them during the Copa America 2024, keeping the same room distribution and numbers, with each player staying in the same room they occupied during the tournament, details that the coaching staff and players were keen to repeat before the final.

Numbers That Determine Major Dates

Messi has an exceptional record in finals, having contributed to scoring 35 goals and assisting 17 goals in the finals he has played with clubs and the national team. He has also won 23 titles with Barcelona out of 31 finals, reflecting his impactful presence in the most important matches and giving Argentina a morale boost before facing Spain for the World Cup title.