The Messi Factor: Four Reasons Argentina Can Defend Their FIFA World Cup Crown

Published 16 July 2026 · sports

The Messi Factor: Four Reasons Argentina Can Defend Their FIFA World Cup Crown Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 19:49 IST Argentina's resilience, Lionel

The Messi Factor: Four Reasons Argentina Can Defend Their FIFA World Cup Crown Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 19:49 IST Argentina's resilience, Lionel Messi's brilliance and the chance to make history have many experts backing the defending champions to edge Spain in the World Cup final. Rapid Read (Credit: AP) Argentina have been here before. When the pressure rises, when the clock ticks down and when hope seems to be fading, Lionel Scaloni’s side somehow find another gear. That’s exactly why many believe the defending champions will overcome Spain and retain the FIFA World Cup on Sunday. La Albiceleste are just one victory away from becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup. Here are four reasons why they could make history. Argentina Never Know When They’re Beaten If there’s one defining trait of this Argentina side, it’s resilience. Scaloni’s men have made a habit of producing dramatic late escapes throughout the tournament. They looked destined for elimination against Egypt before Lionel Messi inspired a stunning comeback with a goal and an assist to drag Argentina into the quarter-finals. They did it again against England. Trailing 1-0 with five minutes remaining, Argentina found another level.

Enzo Fernandez thundered home a spectacular equaliser before Messi produced one final moment of magic, threading a perfect cross onto Lautaro Martinez’s head for the stoppage-time winner. No deficit ever feels safe against this team. Messi Changes Everything Spain may be the tournament’s most complete team, but Argentina possess the one player capable of rewriting any script. At 39, Messi continues to deliver on football’s biggest stage. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner may no longer dominate games with endless dribbles, but his vision, passing and decision-making remain unmatched. Against England, he didn’t score, yet still created both goals that sent Argentina into another World Cup final. As long as Messi is on the pitch, Argentina are never out of a match. They’re Playing For Something Bigger Every great World Cup-winning side has had a cause that united the squad. For Argentina, that mission is clear. This is expected to be Messi’s final World Cup, and every player knows another title would further cement his legacy as arguably the greatest footballer the game has ever seen. That emotional drive has been evident throughout the tournament, with teammates repeatedly digging deep when adversity strikes. History Is Within Touching Distance Victory over Spain would complete one of the greatest runs in international football.