World Cup 2026 Betting
Messi's Last World Cup — A Final of Legacy, Records and One Last Chapter
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There are sporting moments you know you’ll remember while they’re happening. Sunday afternoon is one of them. Lionel Messi plays, in all likelihood, his last World Cup match — a final against Spain, barely 24 hours after Kylian Mbappé took his goals record. It’s the kind of script no writer would dare pitch. As of July 19, 2026.

- The final vs Spain is expected to be Messi’s last World Cup match.
- He lost the all-time goals record to Mbappé (22 to 21) but is still the Golden Ball favourite (~1.11).
- Records at stake: Argentina to defend the title (first since 1962), Spain to reach 38 unbeaten.
- First-ever World Cup knockout meeting between the two nations (H2H 6-6-2).
1. The man who lost a record — and can still win it all
On Saturday Messi became number two on the all-time World Cup scoring list. Sunday he can answer. But here’s what the numbers miss: losing the record did not move the Golden Ball race, the player-of-the-tournament award. Messi is still the favourite (~1.11). With 8 goals and 4 assists he has carried his side all the way — and a world title would make the "greatest ever" debate shorter than ever.
2. Two teams, historic stakes
Argentina can become the first side to defend the title since Brazil in 1962. Spain can complete a Euro/World Cup double and set a world record of 38 matches unbeaten. Three big storylines, one result — and the two nations’ first-ever World Cup knockout meeting.
3. From Canada
As a co-host nation, Canada helped stage this tournament, and the final lands at a friendly 3:00 PM ET (12:00 PM PT) Sunday on TSN and CTV. The full match breakdown is in our final preview.
Read next
- Sunday — Spain vs Argentina, the final
- Mbappé takes the goals record and Golden Boot lead
- Saturday — England 6-4 France
Sources: FIFA, Kalshi, FanDuel, Wikipedia (July 17–19, 2026). 19+. Please wager responsibly.