Multiple outlets note that Lionel Messi’s presence remains the most enduring feature of the FIFA World Cup, highlighting the arc of his international career. One source looks back to events in 2016 connected to Messi’s resilience: after missing during the Copa America final shootout against Chile, he announced his international retirement. It adds that Messi later returned to international football 47 days afterward, framing this comeback as a “redemption” moment following the earlier disappointment. The coverage then connects that history to his role at the World Cup, presenting Messi as a recurring figure across major tournaments rather than a single-match storyline. The emphasis is on the longevity of his impact and the pattern of setbacks followed by returns, rather than on a specific final match detail. Overall, the accounts focus on Messi’s career narrative and how his sustained involvement shapes the way the tournament is remembered.