Lionel Messi had a special message for the Argentine national team, ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup final vs Spain. The defending champions defeated England in the semi-finals, and Spain clinched a 2-0 victory against France.Lionel Messi had an emotional message for fans. (Instagram)For Argentina, Messi has been the difference-maker in this World Cup and was their best player in the semis. After England scored the opening goal, he assisted twice as the South Americans sealed a 2-1 comeback win.Also Read: Alan Shearer blasts FIFA's 'player welfare' claims with scathing rant, demands World Cup third-place playoff be scrapped‘A family’Ahead of the final, the Argentine skipper posted a group photo of the Argentine national team, with the players and management staff. He captioned it as, "The nicest thing about all these years was never just the titles, but all the way. Share the day to day with this group, compete together, get up in the difficult moments and enjoy every step.""Thanks to each of my teammates, the technical staff and all the people who work every day to keep this National Team a family."Whatever happens tomorrow, this group has already written a story that we will never forget and that no one can erase."COME ON ARGENTINA".Kylian Mbappe overtook Messi in the Golden Boot race after scoring twice in the third-place playoff against England. Mbappe also leads the World Cup all-time top-goalscorers list with 22 goals. Messi will be hoping to once again overtake him in the final, in what is also probably his last-ever World Cup match.Speaking ahead of the match, Messi praised his side's semifinal win over England. "We experienced something special - we could feel it right from the national anthem," he said."The fans wanted this victory more than any other because of what it means to face England in a semifinal and reach another World Cup final."I know how happy people in Argentina are. My mom and my family sent me pictures of people celebrating. I’m very proud and happy to be able to give the Argentine people this special joy."Messi also didn't give any hint whether this was going to be his last World Cup match. "I’ve been preparing and training for a year now, and I knew I was going to give it my all to be in the best possible shape," he said."Right now, I just want to enjoy myself. I’m not talking about my last World Cup or anything like that. This team always gives its all and owes nothing to anyone."This team never stops trying. We went out to win it with our football and determination, and we’re in another World Cup final," he added.