Why Lionel Messi Feels No Pressure Before the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final

Q: What did Lionel Messi say before the World Cup final?

Messi joked that he had already completed the game by winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup and said he approaches football without thinking about pressure.

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Why Lionel Messi Feels No Pressure Before the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final

Mohit Tomar

Published - Jul 18, 2026, 11:48 PM

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Why Lionel Messi Feels No Pressure Before the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final

Lionel Messi believes he has already achieved the greatest milestone of his football career, and that is exactly why the Lionel Messi World Cup final against Spain carries a different feeling compared to four years ago. Ahead of Sunday's Argentina vs Spain World Cup final, the Argentina captain admitted that winning the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 lifted the biggest burden of his career. After years of chasing the one trophy missing from his cabinet, the Argentine legend, Lionel Messi, finally completed football's ultimate challenge by leading Argentina to glory against France.

Now preparing for another shot at World Cup success, the 39-year-old insists he has nothing left to prove. Speaking during a pre-match media event, a reporter compared Messi's extraordinary career to a video game that had reached its perfect ending. The Argentine icon responded with a smile.

"I already completed the game at the last World Cup. The game is already over," Messi joked.

The remark perfectly summed up his current mindset. Unlike previous tournaments, where the pressure of winning a World Cup followed him throughout his career, Messi enters this final knowing his legacy is already secure. He has won every major trophy available at club and international level, including the FIFA World Cup, Copa America, UEFA Champions League and multiple league titles, alongside a record eight Ballon d'Or awards.

Messi Says Football Has Always Been About Enjoying The Game

What did Lionel Messi say before the World Cup final? According to the Argentine superstar, pressure has never been something he consciously focused on, even during football's biggest occasions.

Reflecting on his childhood, Messi explained that his love for football was built while playing on the streets, at school and for his local neighborhood team, where the game was always about enjoyment rather than expectations.

"We grew up playing football with a lot of passion, always eager to play, have fun and enjoy ourselves, wherever we were. Whether it was at school, on the street or on a team, we all started in a neighborhood team when we were little," he said.

The Argentine captain also emphasized that learning to lose at a young age helped shape both his personality and career.

“I think we never think about the pressure. We take it as something natural, to play and have a good time. We are a competitive group, we like to win, but it is a team sport. The opponent plays and you can't always win. As a kid, I learned that you lose more than you win, and that made me grow as a person and as a player.”

Those comments explain why Lionel Messi is not under pressure heading into the Argentina vs Spain World Cup final. Having already fulfilled his lifelong dream in 2022, Sunday's showdown represents another opportunity to enjoy football rather than define his legacy.