Messi’s relentless ‘fight’ at 39 leaves Argentina star in tears ahead of World Cup final

Argentina forward Giuliano Simeone has delivered an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi, revealing how the 39-year-old captain’s example is driving the world champions towards another World Cup title.

The holders booked their place in the 2026 World Cup final after a 2-1 victory over England in the semi-finals, setting up a much-anticipated showdown with Spain on Sunday.

Simeone, son of Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, struggled to contain his emotions as he described Messi’s influence inside the Argentina camp.

“In truth, it moves me a lot and makes me emotional.. Leo is 39 years old, he has achieved everything, and he already has everything any footballer could dream of in his career, and yet he is still fighting on the pitch,” Simeone told reporters.

“Therefore, what remains for us as players and what we must do is to leave everything on the pitch, to run and die for him, and to run for the whole of Argentina.. we are truly extremely happy,” he added.

Messi’s example fuels Argentina’s spirit

Simeone’s remarks underline the powerful mood inside the Argentina squad, where Messi is seen not only as captain but as the primary source of inspiration as the team heads into another World Cup final.

For many in and around the camp, Messi’s continued intensity at an advanced stage of his career – having already won every major honour available, including the last World Cup – has turned him into a symbol of commitment and resilience.

Observers in Argentina believe Giuliano Simeone’s words capture the special bond between Messi and his team-mates, who regard him as the standard-bearer for effort and sacrifice despite his legendary status.

The forward’s insistence that players must “run and die” for their captain and for the country reflects a squad determined to match Messi’s hunger, rather than rely on his talent alone.

Defending champions chasing more history

Messi is preparing to lead Argentina into the final against Spain as the Albiceleste seek to retain the world title they claimed at the previous tournament.

Victory would further cement Messi’s already towering legacy in international football and add another chapter to Argentina’s illustrious World Cup history.

Within the camp, players are said to be fully aware that they are potentially approaching the final stages of Messi’s international journey and are eager to “give everything” to prolong the team’s success.

Team-mates hope that their collective effort, inspired by the captain’s example, will be enough to secure back-to-back World Cup triumphs and write, as local media have put it, “a new chapter in the history of the tango”.

Messi at 39: symbol of a new standard

For a generation of younger Argentine players, Messi’s daily work and attitude in training and matches have become a benchmark.

Despite his age and complete trophy collection, he continues to train and compete with the intensity of a player still chasing his first major title. Inside the camp, this has helped set a demanding culture in which seniority and reputation do not excuse anyone from hard work.

Simeone’s emotional testimony has been widely interpreted in Argentina as further evidence that, beyond tactics and star quality, it is Messi’s mentality that remains the defining force behind the world champions as they prepare for one more final.