Lionel Messi has always prioritized joy and contribution over obligation. His FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign for Argentina showed he can still influence games at the highest level, but the emotional weight of another final defeat may accelerate his thinking.

It’s official. Spain are world champions.

Spain nearly blew the lid off the stadium in the 38th minute with a shot on goal from Mikel Oyarzabal … but Argentina’s Dibu Martínez was there to make the save yet again.