Fans will be chanting Lionel Messi's name when Argentina take on Spain in their FIFA World Cup final showdown at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. But for the 39-year-old, the match is more than another shot at history. It is a return to the very stadium where ten years ago, he announced his international retirement.
Lionel Messi once announced his international retirement after Argentina lost to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final. (X)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
In 2016, Argentina crashed to a heartbreaking defeat against Chile in the Copa America final. It was their third successive final, and they lost all three (the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 Copa America).
The match was goalless in extra time, and Chile reigned supreme on penalties, with Messi also blasting his spot-kick over the bar.
‘For me, the national team is over’: Lionel Messi
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
Minutes later, he announced his international retirement to the world, stating, "For me, the national team is over."
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
Minutes later, he announced his international retirement to the world, stating, "For me, the national team is over."
{{/usCountry}}
He was only 29 then, but it looked like the criticism from Argentine fans was finally getting to him, and the defeat against Chile hit a nerve. It felt like the end of an era. But in reality, it was the start of a new chapter for the former Barcelona man.
After pressure from the public and even politicians, Messi reversed his decision two months later. In their qualification campaign for the 2018 World Cup, Argentina were struggling, and it was Messi who came to their rescue on the final day of qualifying in Quito.
After Ecuador scored in the opening minute, he responded with a sensational hat-trick to clinch a 3-1 comeback win, taking Argentina to the World Cup single-handedly.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
But the 2018 World Cup proved to be another disappointment. Under Jorge Sampaoli, they crashed out of the Round of 16. The best was yet to come!
The Argentina Football Association appointed Lionel Scaloni initially as an interim coach. Nobody expected him to continue, but he proved his critics wrong. The former player built his team around Messi without making it dependent on him. The likes of Rodrigo De Paul, Cristian Romero, and Emiliano Martinez formed the backbone of a side that could press, defend and create chances. They ended their 28-year wait for a major trophy by defeating Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final.
Then, a year later, came the biggest achievement as Messi inspired Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar. The success didn't end there; they went on to win the Copa America again in 2024.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
Now he has the chance to script history again, and fate has brought him back to the stadium where everything seemed to fall apart. Only two nations have ever won back-to-back World Cup titles: Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962).
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Home/Sports/Football/Lionel Messi once left this stadium in tears and retired. Now he returns for a World Cup final
{{^htLoading}}
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
{{#usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe
