Argentina stands one victory from sporting immortality, seeking to become only the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups. The final hinges on captain Lionel Messi.
A victory would make Messi the first captain to lift the trophy twice. He enters the final just one goal behind Kylian Mbappe in the all-time scoring race. Manager Lionel Scaloni calls him "the best footballer the world has ever seen."
The 39-year-old's late-career resurgence is remarkable. Fifteen of his 21 World Cup goals have come after his 35th birthday. His motivation remains evident.
Speculation now turns to his future. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague doubts this is Messi's last World Cup, citing his enduring passion and physical capability. A potential 2030 appearance would make him the oldest outfield player in tournament history, at 43.
A key draw is the 2030 tournament's unique format. While hosted across six nations, at least one match will be held in Argentina. The prospect of a World Cup game on home soil may be irresistible.
Messi himself hinted at retirement after the 2022 final, yet he returned. Regardless of Sunday's outcome, his potential path to 2030 is a compelling narrative.