The historic Maracana stadium has hosted two World Cup finals, in 1950 and 2014, and saw Messi and his squad become 2021 Copa America champions by beating Brazil 1-0.
Global sales of soccer gear were up more than 700% for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar versus the 2018 World Cup in Russia across the Fanatics network of online stores.
IMAGES from the FIFA World Cup quarter-final played between Argentina and The Netherlands on Friday.
FIFA tweeted a picture of the cutouts, saying 'World Cup fever has hit Kerala'.
Lionel Scaloni picked the same starting line-up from the World Cup final win over France as they looked dominant from the start
Argentina look set to keep Julian Alvarez in attack for Sunday's World Cup final
Wright blasts Man City's Haaland for throwing ball at Arsenal's Gabriel
'Trust me, the comeback of Leo Messi only depends on him.'
Lamine Yamal has been breaking records since making his professional debut for Barcelona less than 15 months ago, the last one becoming the youngest goal-scorer in Euros history with a stunning curled long-range shot against France that helped his side reach the final.
This is Argentina's 6th final and their second shot at the trophy in the last two attempts. They were beaten by Germany in the 2014 final.
Lionel Messi and his family are celebrating the Christmas season at home in Argentina.
Science fiction buffs buckle up, catch all the space-themed action on OTT this week.
"I want to continue playing as a World Cup champion."
Lionel Messi drew level with Diego Maradona's number of World Cup goals and appearances on Saturday, but the current No. 10 knows that only winning the trophy at long last will earn him the same eternal love of his fellow Argentines.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi paid rich tributes to football legend Diego Maradona, who died on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack.
'I feel very happy, to be able to achieve this, to finish my World Cup journey by playing my last game in a final'
'We were aware that if we didn't win it would be more complicated.'
Copa American champions Argentina are unbeaten in 35 games and if this is to be Messi's final World Cup, they are in the form to deliver the title.
Ronaldo's 130 goals for his country is also way out on its own at the head of most scored in international football
Brazil lost their second consecutive World Cup qualifier match as Colombia fought back to win 2-1 against the five-times champions.
Ronaldo admitted that both of them changed the history of football and urged his fans to not hate on Messi.
The Italian coach considers that having healthy players, such as striker Karim Benzema, will be the key to face the schedule that awaits the Madrid side, who will be looking to defend their LaLiga, Spanish Super Cup and Champions League titles.
The 35-year-old also paid tribute to Messi, who played for Real's arch-rivals Barcelona.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the emir of Qatar and PSG's owner, was a happy man as he enveloped PSG players Messi, Mbappe and Angel Di Maria with a warm hug.
Here are glimpses of unbound joy for the Samurais...
Reigning champions France take on Argentina in a showpiece final at Lusail Stadium with both teams looking to add a third star to their crest.
Earlier, Messi's World Cup-winning team mate Emiliano Martinez won the Lev Yashin award for the world's best goalkeeper.
Messi's image is everywhere, adorning the sides of buildings.
Australia midfielder Cameron Devlin did not play a minute of the World Cup but left Qatar with one of its biggest prizes after exchanging jerseys with Argentina's Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi says Argentina have felt the presence of the late, great Diego Maradona throughout their World Cup campaign, including on Friday when they beat the Netherlands on penalties to reach the semi-finals.
A confectioner in Kolkata displays confectionery created in the likeness of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi on Sunday, the opening day of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
This is the first time a player other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo has topped the list in eight years.
Alvarez tweeted that he got carried away and apologised to Messi and the people of Argentina.
Pochettino, who is well aware of Messi's game-changing abilities having worked with the 35-year-old last season, said he was still the best player in the world.
Kahn acknowledged the significance of having role models like Messi and Ronaldo but emphasised the importance of nurturing Indian talent.
Lionel Messi has surpassed Diego Maradona as the greatest player of all time, Argentina's World Cup winning coach Lionel Scaloni said.
IMAGES from the FIFA World Cup Group C match played between Argentina and Poland on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi kept his dream of winning his first World Cup alive by rifling in the opening goal in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Mexico in World Cup Group C, proving he was far from done in the tournament.
Saudi Arabia, FIFA's 51st ranked team and who have suffered 5-0 and 8-0 World Cup defeats down the years, roared back to claim an astonishing 2-1 victory that will go down as one of the greatest shocks in any sport ever.
