When the Argentine national football team lost the 2016 Copa America final at MetLife Stadium in New York, Lionel Messi, overwhelmed with tears, announced his retirement from international football, saying: 'I've done everything I could.' Messi, then 29, had won many individual and club titles, but losing three Copa America finals and the 2014 World Cup final made it seem like he could not win any major international trophy. However, the Argentine star later reversed his decision under widespread public pressure, and on Sunday he will return to the same stadium, now renamed 'New York/New Jersey' specifically for this tournament, aiming to lead Argentina to retain the World Cup title and win it for the second consecutive time. The debate over who is the greatest player in football history may never end, but only a few, like Brazil's Pelé and Argentina's Diego Maradona, can be compared to Messi in terms of individual impact on their national teams' World Cup success. While Spain, Argentina's opponent in the final, relies on collective strength, Messi's presence has been a pivotal element in the golden era enjoyed by the Argentine national team over the past five years. Messi's importance is not limited to his goals and assists, numerous as they are, but his influence goes beyond to become a national symbol around whom a team has repeatedly shown exceptional ability to overcome crises and turn potential defeats into victories. Lautaro Martinez said after scoring the winning goal in stoppage time from a brilliant Messi cross in the semifinal against England: 'Everything leads to happiness, thanks to this group that continues to advance in the face of difficulties and never gives up.' He added: 'We have the best player in the world as our role model.' Beyond his outstanding talent, Messi has shown great endurance during the tournament, playing every minute of Argentina's knockout matches, including two that went into extra time. Predicting the future of 'The Flea' has always seemed risky, but Argentina's fourth world title on Sunday will represent, by any standard, the peak of an exceptional career. After winning the 2022 World Cup and adding the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles to his record, Messi has strengthened his international legacy at a time when the importance of his club achievements during his stint in the American league had waned. Messi is under contract with Inter Miami through the end of the 2028 MLS season, and has not hinted that Sunday's final might be his last match in the Argentina shirt, which he has worn in 206 matches over 21 years. But one thing remains certain: he has fully earned the right to make the final decision about his future on his own.