'I Completed Football Already': Lionel Messi Drops Cold Quote Before FIFA World Cup Final

Published 18 July 2026 · sports

'I Completed Football Already': Lionel Messi Drops Cold Quote Before FIFA World Cup Final Published By, Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 22:13 IST Messi says

'I Completed Football Already': Lionel Messi Drops Cold Quote Before FIFA World Cup Final Published By, Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 22:13 IST Messi says he "completed the game" by winning the 2022 World Cup, but the Argentina icon admits Sunday's final against Spain offers one more chance to make history. Rapid Read Lionel Messi at the press conference before the FIFA World Cup 2026 final (AP) Lionel Messi has spent nearly two decades collecting football’s biggest prizes, smashing records and redefining greatness. So when one reporter compared his career to a video game, the Argentina captain delivered the perfect one-line response. “I already completed the game at the last World Cup." The interviewer had suggested that Messi’s career resembled a video game where he kept unlocking new levels and achievements. Rather than denying it, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner smiled and reminded everyone that lifting the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 was the final mission he needed to accomplish. How He Completed Football At Qatar For years, the only criticism levelled at Messi was that he lacked a World Cup trophy.

He had conquered club football with Barcelona, won countless league titles, Champions Leagues, Copa del Rey trophies, individual awards and eventually ended Argentina’s 28-year wait for silverware by lifting the Copa América in 2021. But until that unforgettable night in Lusail, one box remained unchecked. Messi finally ticked it by inspiring Argentina to World Cup glory, ending one of football’s longest-running debates and cementing his status as one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. Now, remarkably, the 39-year-old has another opportunity to add to a résumé many believed was already untouchable. Argentina will face Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final, with Messi chasing something even rarer — a second consecutive World Cup title. No nation has retained the trophy since Brazil in 1962, and another triumph would elevate an already extraordinary international career to an even greater level. Messi has been central to Argentina’s run once again, producing decisive moments throughout the tournament. His two assists in the dramatic 2-1 semi-final comeback against England sent the defending champions into another final and kept him firmly in the conversation for yet another Ballon d’Or.

The Inter Miami star has repeatedly insisted he is focused only on helping Argentina. And now, he has one more level left to conquer. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered Can Messi lead Argentina to another World Cup title? I cannot make predictions about future sporting events. Lionel Messi stated he has "completed the game" by winning the 2022 World Cup, but acknowledged the upcoming final against Spain offers another chance to make history. What records could Messi break in the next World Cup? Lionel Messi could break several records in the next World Cup. He can become the first player to participate in six World Cups. Messi can also aim to break the record for most goals from a penalty spot. He has the opportunity to win another Golden Ball award. How does Messi's career compare to other football legends? Lionel Messi has achieved numerous milestones, leading many to consider him the greatest of all time.