Tears rolled down Lionel Messi’s face as he watched the Argentina fans following the World Cup final defeat to Spain.
Messi, 39, is yet to confirm his future plans but the expectation is that one of the greatest to grace the game has played his final World Cup before retirement.
The Argentina captain was left frustrated as Spain dominated the final, with the European champions winning 1-0 thanks to Ferran Torres’ goal after extra time.
Messi had inspired a series of brilliant comebacks in the knockout stages to help Argentina to a second successive final but Spain were deserved winners.
Messi scored eight goals in an incredible tournament and the Argentina fans chanted his name as Spain’s Rodri collected the player of tournament award.
Messi then led his team-mates to collect their runners-up medals. He then stood and cried while he watched the Argentina fans serenade him.
The record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will be 43 at the next men’s World Cup, which takes place in Spain, Portugal and Morocco - but will kick off in Argentina.
Messi waited until Spain lifted the World Cup, but then quickly left the pitch in what was perhaps a bitter end to his World Cup journey.
By playing in the final, Messi became just the third player to appear in three men’s World Cup finals - after Brazil’s Cafu.
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