By Douglas Baye-Osagie
If the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, FIFA, could have written the script of the 2026 World Cup before a ball was kicked, this would possibly be it. The European Champions against the World Champions. The past meeting the present.
And in the middle, at 39, is Lionel Messi. One more final. One more chance to cement what is already immortal.
This is not just a game. This is history asking for a signature. And if it happens? A second straight World Cup for Argentina — the very first in the modern era to defend the crown. What will follow? A ninth Ballon d’Or waiting in the wings. A Player of the Tournament award that feels like destiny.
To get here, Argentina walked through fire. It was one hell of a journey that tested the capacity of the technical crew led by Scaloni and the quality of the squad. He has kept the team grounded and placed the leadership on the pitch in the hands of Lionel Messi. Their run reads like a warrior’s tale. Pulled from the jaws of defeat four times in memorable games — against Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, and England.
