Lionel Messi and Argentina fell short in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. Here were our live updates and more on Messi throughout the match.

To live forever is for the world to know you by just one word. Messi is there with the likes of Jordan, Ali, Brady, Bolt, Serena, Phelps and a select few other all-timers

ATLANTA (AP) — Lionel Messi delivered for his teammates. With one more win, he'll be delivering another World Cup trophy to Argentina. Messi didn't add to his tournament-leading goal total, but the 39-year-old assisted on two late strikes that carried La Albiceleste to another stunning comeback and a 2-1 victory over England in the semifinals Wednesday.

Lionel Messi has 33 combined goals and assists at the World Cup, five more than Kylian Mbappe entering the final.

Antonela Roccuzzo, wife of Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi, attends the 2026 World Cup football tournament quarter-final match between Argentina and Switzerland at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City on July 11,

The race for the Ballon d’Or is entering its final stretch after the world’s best players made significant statements during the 2026 World Cup. Eight-time winner Lionel Messi