Lionel Messi has hinted at retirement after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain.
The 39-year-old lead his country out at the New York / New Jersey Stadium on Sunday night, hoping to summon the powers from the Qatar final in 2022 when he scored twice in regulation play and once in the penalty shootout as Argentina defeated France to claim football’s richest prize.
However, it wasn’t to be for Messi and co. in the World Cup 2026 final.
Adopting a defensive approach, Argentina failed to lay a glove on Spain for virtually the duration of normal time and there task became even more difficult when Enzo Fernandez was sent-off for two bookable offences right before extra-time.
Ferran Torres, after Nico Williams had seen a goal disallowed for a foul by Mikel Merino in the build-up, scored what proved to be the winner in the 106th minute, leaving Messi heartbroken in the process.
As La Roja celebrated a second World Cup triumph, a tearful Messi disappeared down the tunnel after paying his respects to the winning side, though naturally attentions have already shifted towards what’s next for the legendary No10.
Messi overcome with emotion 🥺
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 19, 2026
The Argentine great watches on as Spain collect their World Cup winners' medals pic.twitter.com/y65xFMftJZ
Has Lionel Messi retired?
Nothing has been confirmed as of yet, but Messi did drop a major hint that the World Cup final would be his last appearance in an Argentina shirt.
Before kick-off against Spain, Messi uploaded a post on Instagram, displaying the adidas boots he would be wearing and wrote: "What a journey we're having together."
On the bottom of his boots were the words 'El Ultimo Tango' which translates to 'The Last Tango', thus hinting at his final appearance.
Furthermore, a post on X, formerly Twitter, from the Argentina national football team is, arguably, the clearest hint yet that Messi will not pull on the famous blue and white striped shirt again.
“There will never be enough words to thank you for all the joy you’ve given us,” the post read.
“The greatest of all time. Forever grateful for you, Captain.”
There will never be enough words to thank you for all the joy you’ve given us.
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) July 19, 2026
The greatest of all time. Forever grateful for you, Captain. pic.twitter.com/tOV3Di3gCx
Of course, if Messi does announce his retirement, it will only be in relation to international football after signing a new contract with Inter Miami last October that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2028 MLS season.
