Lionel Messi has officially become the first man ever to start in three World Cup finals, after starting for Argentina as they take on Spain in a blockbuster battle for the world’s most famous trophy.
39-year-old Messi is also captaining his country tonight as they seek back-to-back World Cup triumphs.
Messi is also now the oldest outfield player to ever appear in a World Cup final.
The Argentina talisman has already had his most productive World Cup so far, having recorded eight goals and four assists.
As it stands, Kylian Mbappé is leading the Golden Boot race with 10 goals and four assists — but should Messi produce the magic he is capable of tonight, it’s possible he could finish ahead of the Frenchman or tie him with the same amount of goals.
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FIFA’s rules state that if two players are tied on most goals, then their assist total will be used as a decider. If the assist totals are also the same, then the player who has played fewer minutes at the tournament will be ranked first.
ESPN Global Research contributed to this report.
