Lionel Messi finally has a roommate ahead of the World Cup final

Lionel Messi has welcomed a roommate to share with, ahead of the World Cup final, having gone the rest of the tournament on his own.

Even a ball was kicked in Qatar, many eyes were on Messi as he attempted to win the World Cup for the final time in his career.

Argentina were always one of the favourites to win it, which would be for the first time since 1986, mainly due to the 35-year-old's place in the team.

One thing that was different for the 35-year-old to previous competition, was the absence of his good friend Sergio Aguero from his room.

The pair won the Olympics together in 2008 and have been close ever since, even leading to Aguero to move to Barcelona to play with his mate, and being left gutted by Messi's subsequent departure to Paris Saint-Germain.

With the former Manchester City forward having been forced to retire last year it was expected that Messi would have to pick a new friend.

However, the PSG chose to be alone, to focus on the tournament, with Emiliano Martinez sharing with one of the coaching team, and the other 24 players paired together.

This week Aguero joined the camp ahead of the final, and with his mate in Qatar, Messi is once again sharing a room with the man whose son he is Godfather to.

Reunited and it feels so good. Image: Alamy

Whilst the superstitious might worry about the seven time Ballon d'Or winner changing his pre Final preparation, compared to other rounds, it's still good news.

The last time the pair shared a room together was at the Copa America in summer 2021, with Argentina going on to win the tournament.

It was Messi's first senior international competition win, and he was also named the Golden Ball and Golden Boot winner, taking a clean sweep.

That could happen to him once again on Sunday, as he currently sits level with club teammate Kylian Mbappe on five goals, at the top of the rankings.

Mbappe could also take a clean sweep of the awards, and win his second World Cup, but he's been told he's not 'fit' to lace his club mate's boots.

Mbappe and Messi are set to face off. Image: Alamy

Even a former France international has claimed that he would rather see Messi lift the trophy on Sunday, rather than his own country became the first to defend the world crown since Brazil in 1962.

Speaking ahead of the game, Andre-Pierre Gignac, who last played for his national team when they were hosting Euro 2016 and lost in the final, said he wanted Messi to win.

"Today, in Argentina, they want to win the World Cup for Messi," Gignac said.

"I am French, but I would like Messi to lift the World Cup because he deserves it for his whole career. His temperament is that of a leader."