Messi’s last dance — a final of legacy, records and one last chapter

Updated July 2026
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There are sporting moments you know you’ll remember while they’re happening. Sunday afternoon is one of them. Lionel Messi plays, in all likelihood, his last World Cup match — a final against Spain, barely 24 hours after Kylian Mbappé took his goals record. It’s the kind of script no writer would dare pitch: the greatest of a generation with one last chance to write the ending himself. As at 19 July 2026.

A packed, floodlit stadium before a World Cup final, a single player figure in light-blue and white at the centre
Messi’s last World Cup match: the final against Spain, Sunday 3 p.m. ET / noon PT at MetLife Stadium.

The man who lost a record — and can still win it all

On Saturday Messi became number two on the all-time World Cup scoring list. Sunday he can answer. But here’s what the numbers miss: losing the record did not move the Golden Ball race, the player-of-the-tournament award. Messi is still the favourite (~1.11). With 8 goals and 4 assists he has carried his side all the way — and a world title would make the "greatest ever" debate shorter than ever.

Two teams, historic stakes

It isn’t only Messi’s afternoon. Argentina can become the first side to defend the title since Brazil in 1962. Spain can complete a Euro/World Cup double and set a world record of 38 matches unbeaten. Three big storylines, one result — and the two nations’ first-ever World Cup knockout meeting (head-to-head level at 6-6-2).

From Canada

As a co-host nation, Canada helped stage this tournament, and the final lands at a friendly 3 p.m. ET / noon PT on Sunday — CTV, TSN and RDS. Whatever your allegiance, it’s the game to end on. The full match breakdown is in our final preview.

Is the final Messi’s last World Cup match?
In all likelihood, yes. The final against Spain on 19 July is expected to be Lionel Messi’s last match at a World Cup finals.
Can Messi still win the Golden Ball?
Yes. Despite losing the goals record to Mbappé, Messi remains the Golden Ball favourite (player of the tournament, ~1.11), an award that weighs more than goals alone.
What records can be decided in the final?
Argentina can defend the title (first since 1962), Spain can reach 38 unbeaten and a Euro/World Cup double, and Messi can reclaim the all-time goals record and the Golden Boot.

Odds for information only — please bet responsibly. In Ontario, betting is regulated by AGCO / iGaming Ontario; ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600. 19+ (18+ in Alberta and Manitoba). Sources: FIFA, Kalshi, FanDuel, Wikipedia (17–19 July 2026).