NZ Herald football writer Michael Burgess looks back at an incredible match at SoFi Stadium between the All Whites and Iran on Tuesday (NZT). Video / Michael Burgess
Commentary of Argentina’s final match at the 2018 Fifa World Cup has left the man behind the mic red-faced after predicting Lionel Messi would not return to play for Argentina.
Argentina crashed out of the tournament, held in Russia, in a thrilling 4-3 loss to eventual winners France.
After thematch, the commentator speculated that the match could be Messi’s last for his country at a World Cup.
“Lionel Messi’s final World Cup match, surely, and maybe his final game for his country,” the commentator said.
“He’ll be 35 the next time the World Cup comes around, it’s the coming of age party.”
The clip resurfaced on social media, racking up more than two million views, prompting fans to remember how much the Argentine forward has achieved since then.
Lionel Messi won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022. Photo / Photosport
“Little we knew it was just the beginning of legendary run,” one commenter said.
“Remember thr [sic] for the last 3 cups, teams that either beat Argentina or Argentina won the WC,” said another.
He started his 2026 tournament with a bang, scoring a hat-trick against Algeria and becoming the joint all-time leading goal scorer in the competition with 16 goals.
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