Lionel Scaloni’s side go into Sunday’s final with a perfect record, seven wins from seven matches, one better than Spain’s six. They have scored 19 goals along the way, the most of any team at this World Cup, while conceding seven.
Messi has been the driving force throughout. He leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals and four assists, and has done so despite spending roughly two thirds of his time on the pitch simply walking, a deliberate strategy to conserve energy for the moments that matter most.
Argentina have also scored five goals from outside the box this tournament, Messi twice, Giovani Lo Celso, Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez the other scorers, a joint record for a single edition since 1966.
At the other end, Emiliano Martinez has started every match, keeping two clean sheets and making the saves needed to see Argentina through, including a standout display against Switzerland in the quarter-final after a shakier outing against Egypt in the previous round.
His experience of lifting the trophy in 2022 and winning back to back Copa America titles has made him central to Scaloni’s side once again.
Messi’s individual numbers now sit alongside the greatest in tournament history, his 33 career goal contributions the most of any player on record since 1966.
Argentina’s record speaks for itself, but Sunday will decide whether these numbers are remembered as a triumph or a near miss.
Photo: Reuters/Brett Davis
