Argentina got the job done against Croatia to reach the grand final at Qatar 2022, in what could be Lionel Messi‘s last opportunity to win the coveted and elusive FIFA World Cup trophy.
The Paris Saint-Germain star, who turned 35in June, had admitted before the tournament he may not play in the2026 event. Therefore, all eyes have been on him from day one. And he lived up to the expectations so far.
Messi scored in all but one game en route to the final, as he only failed to get on the scoresheet against Poland. Now, he’s just one step away from winning his first World Cup. However, it won’t be the first time he plays in the final.
Has Lionel Messi played in a World Cup final?
Lionel Messi will play in his second World Cup final. Messi had already playedin the Brazil 2014 final, but it was a heartbreaking memory for all Argentine fans. That day, Mario Gotze gave Germany a dramatic win in extra time, ending with Messi and Argentina’s hopes.
Eight years later, they’ll have a secondopportunity to finish the job. Now, Argentina wait for the winner of the France-Morocco semifinal. Will Messi lead his country to the promised land this time?Using this World Cup Predictor, you can see every potential outcome of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Managing Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of multiple sports, including NFL and soccer, with a specialty in original content and real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Managing Editor since May 2025, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis with interviews and exclusive content.
