Lionel Messi once broke down in tears on this very ground, his voice full of despair. After the match he announced he would no longer play in Argentina’s jersey. Now, nearly a decade later, he is returning to that same MetLife Stadium — but this time to play a World Cup final.
MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is especially memorable in football history for the 2016 Copa America Centenario final. After a goalless draw with Chile in regulation and extra time, Argentina lost the penalty shootout 4-2. Messi also missed his own spot-kick in the shootout.
He spoke then of retiring. But that decision did not last long. Weeks later, out of love for the supporters and a sense of duty to his country, he returned to the national team, and a new chapter began.
In 2021, Messi ended Argentina’s 28-year title drought by winning the Copa America. In 2022, at the Qatar World Cup, he fulfilled a lifelong dream and won the World Cup. In 2024, another Copa America title was added to his career. Now comes another World Cup.
Fate seems to have brought Messi back to that same MetLife Stadium once more. But this time the scene is entirely different. The ground that was once a symbol of tears and despair could now witness another golden chapter of his career.
It is on this ground that Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final. On the ground where Messi once announced his farewell, will he this time lift another World Cup trophy?
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