Robert Lewandowski has dropped a major hint regarding his international future after Poland narrowly missed out on a World Cup spot.
The Barcelona striker captained Poland in their World Cup play-off final against Sweden on Tuesday night, playing the full 90 minutes at the Strawberry Arena, in Solna.
However, Lewandowski, 37, saw his dream of being one of the oldest players at this summer’s tournament in North America ended in dramatic fashion by an Arsenal striker.
As the clocked ticked into the 88th minute with the score at 2-2, Viktor Gyokeres smashed home what turned out to be the winning goal to send Sweden to the 2026 World Cup.
Graham Potter’s side, who qualified for the play-offs by virtue of their performance in the Nations League, have progressed to the finals and will face Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia in Group F.
Speaking after the game, Gyokeres reflected on a memorable night for his national team: "To do it on home soil is indescribable. We believed in it until the end and that's why we're in the World Cup.
“Regardless of whether you get a lot of balls or not, you try to be connected and present.
“That was me, especially at the end when we had some half-dangerous chances."
Ultimately, Lewandowski came out on the wrong side of what billed as a battle between him and Gyokeres.
With no World Cup to look forward to, the veteran striker has since taken to social media to hint at retiring from international football after playing a record 165 times for Poland.
Lewandowski posted a picture to Instagram showing himself holding up his captain's armband, with the song "Time to Say Goodbye" playing.
After the 2022 World Cup, Lewandowski opted to stay on despite what seemed to be a goodbye to the fans at the time.
Following the loss to Sweden on Tuesday, Lewandowski cut an emotional figure and was fighting back the tears, presumably realising he will never get the chance to play at a World Cup again.
Additional reporting by The Associated Press.
