Messi returns to MetLife Stadium for World Cup final, site of 2016 retirement announcement

If at 39 years old he still discovers new things in the world of football—like facing England last Wednesday (2-1)—Lionel Messi will not feel out of place on Sunday when he steps onto the pitch at MetLife Stadium.

The Argentina captain knows the venue well, having played there several times before. On June 9, 2012, he scored a hat-trick there against Brazil in a friendly (4-3), netting the winning goal in the 84th minute after a trademark 40-meter burst of speed from back then.

A Night of Devastation

But in the home of the Giants and Jets, the world champion also experienced one of the worst moments of his career. On the night of June 26–27, 2016, he lost the Copa America Centenario final to Chile (0-0, 2-4 on penalties). As the first taker, Messi missed his attempt. At the final whistle, he remained seated on the pitch, devastated.

A year earlier, in Santiago, Chile, he had already lost the final of the same competition to the same opponent under the same circumstances, even though he was the only Argentine to convert his penalty (0-0, 1-4 on penalties). In 2014, he suffered another disappointment in the World Cup final against Germany (0-1 a.e.t.).

The Announcement That Shook Argentina

In June 2016, La Albiceleste had not won a title since the 1993 Copa America. This triple failure, with an air of a curse, led Messi to announce his international retirement at age 29. With a blank stare and a hesitant voice, he told the microphones in the MetLife corridors:

"We've lost four finals (including the 2007 Copa America, 0-3 against Brazil), three of them in a row, it's a shame. That's how it is, luck isn't on our side, we try but that's it."

"My decision is made. I couldn't be a champion with Argentina, so I'm leaving."

Pressed on what comes next, he said to incredulous journalists:

"The first thing that comes to mind, I was thinking about it in the locker room, is that my time with the national team is over. I've said it, it's four finals, it's not for me. I tried, it was what I wanted most, but it didn't work out. Plus, I missed the penalty, I missed the first one, which was very important to take the lead. I think it's better for me and for those who were waiting for this. My decision is made. I couldn't be a champion with Argentina, so I'm leaving."

A Return and a New Chapter

The announcement sparked strong emotions in the country. Teammates (Mascherano, Agüero...) tried to convince him to change his mind, and new coach Edgardo Bauza traveled to Barcelona as well. A month and a half later, Messi released a statement announcing his return:

"Many things went through my head on the day of the final, and I seriously thought about quitting, but I love my country and this jersey too much. I thank all the people who want me to keep playing for Argentina, hopefully we can bring them joy soon."

He added: "I see there are many problems in Argentine football, and I don't want to be another one."

On September 2, La Albiceleste began their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign against Uruguay. La Pulga started and scored the only goal of the victory.

Settling the Score

Since that quasi-retirement, the Inter Miami player has had the chance to mend his relationship with MetLife. On June 25, 2024, again in the Copa America, he played a group stage match there against... Chile. La Albiceleste won 1-0 thanks to Lautaro Martinez. However, the former Barcelona and PSG player got injured and participated only moderately in the run to the final victory (1-0 a.e.t. against Colombia).

This Sunday, he has the opportunity to finally settle the score and come full circle.