Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi may end his career with the Argentine national team. However, the player himself has not yet made an official statement on this matter.
After losing 0:1 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, the 39-year-old Messi remained on the field for a long time and cried while looking towards the Argentine fans. This was seen by many as a possible farewell to his national team career.
According to some reports, Messi spoke with his teammates in the dressing room after the final and said that the match against Spain was his last appearance for the Argentine national team. However, this information has not yet been confirmed by official sources.
The Argentine footballer shared his feelings on his social media page after the final. He said the pain of defeat is strong, but he is proud of the achievements with the team. He also congratulated Spain on becoming world champions.
If this is a farewell for Messi with the national team, it recalls his decision in 2016. Back then, after Argentina lost to Chile in the Copa América final, the player announced his retirement from the national team. However, a few months later, he reversed that decision.
After that, Messi won the Copa América with Argentina in 2021 and 2024, and the World Cup in 2022.
In the 2026 World Cup, Messi played in 8 matches, scored 8 goals, and provided 4 assists.
At present, his future with the Argentine national team remains open. Messi has not yet officially announced his farewell to the national team.
