Argentina reached the 2026 World Cup final after a thrilling comeback against England, winning 2-1. In the match, Lionel Messi turned the tables with two decisive assists, leading his country to a highly anticipated global showdown against Spain next Sunday, in a final described as the most symbolic in the tournament's history.

After qualifying, the Argentine star posted a celebratory message on his official Instagram account, which has over 513 million followers, to celebrate reaching the final. However, social media users noticed a striking detail: Messi repeated the exact same message and wording he used in 2022 after defeating Croatia in the semi-finals of the Qatar World Cup.

It seems that the Argentine captain, despite his immense influence and exceptional status, chose to adhere to the same rituals that led him to win the title in the previous edition. Some see this as an attempt to replicate the same lucky scenario that gave him his first World Cup in his career, this time against a strong and well-rounded Spanish team.

Sunday's final holds a special historical significance, as it brings together the past, present, and future of Barcelona. The matchup will pit Lionel Messi, aged 39, face-to-face against Lamine Yamal, the Spanish talent not yet 19 years old, in one of the most anticipated generational clashes in recent years.

Adding to the symbolism of the encounter is the iconic photo of them together in 2007, when Messi was seen holding a baby Lamine Yamal during a charity event organized by FC Barcelona. Nearly two decades later, the two meet on the biggest football stage in the world, competing for the title of the new World Cup king.