Lionel Messi retirement hint? Argentina star makes emotional statement ahead of 2026 World Cup final defeat against Spain

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Argentina stood on the brink of sporting immortality - but defeat in extra time against Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final could signify the end of an era. Lionel Messi struggled to weave his magic, while his side failed to register a shot on target. The 1-0 loss in New Jersey could have been the final chapter of his extraordinary World Cup story.

Watch: 'It hurts my soul' - Scaloni exits emotional press conference in tears

Video credit: SNTV

Argentina's hopes suffered a major blow deep into normal time when Enzo Fernandez was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, leaving Lionel Scaloni's side to play the closing stages with 10 men.

The reigning champions struggled to threaten throughout the final, remarkably failing to register a single shot - on or off target - until the 115th minute as Spain's disciplined defence kept Messi and company at bay.

Ferran Torres struck the decisive blow, and victory for Spain also secured a place in the history books for head coach Luis de la Fuente, who, at 65, became the oldest manager ever to win the World Cup.

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For Messi, however, the defeat marked another historic milestone despite the result.

The 39-year-old became just the second player to appear in three World Cup finals and the oldest outfield player ever to feature in the tournament’s showpiece.

Prior to the match, speculation had intensified over his international future after sharing an emotional message just hours prior to kick-off.

Messi in tears following Spain's win over Argentina

Image credit: Getty Images

The Argentina captain, who was aiming to lead his country to consecutive FIFA World Cup triumphs, reflected on the journey of the team and the bond that has carried the country to another historic final.

Taking to social media on the eve of the game, Messi made comments which have prompted fresh questions over whether this could be his final appearance on football's biggest stage.

Writing on Instagram, he highlighted that the achievements of this Argentina side extend far beyond the trophies they have won.

"The best thing about all these years has never been just the titles, but the whole journey," he said. "Sharing every day with this group, competing together, getting back up in difficult moments, and enjoying every step.

"Thanks to each of my team-mates, the technical staff and all the people who work every day to keep this National Team a family.

"Whatever happens, this group has already written a story that we will never forget and that no one can erase."

The emotional message came as Messi, who has 125 international goals in 206 caps for Argentina, prepared for what could be his final World Cup match.

He has previously suggested that the 2026 tournament would likely be his last, although he has not announced any decision on his international retirement.

Were he to make an appearance at a seventh edition in 2030, he would turn 43 during the event in four years' time.

The Barcelona legend also appeared to hint at the significance of the occasion in a separate message with long-time sponsor Adidas, referencing the phrase "The Last Tango" ahead of the final.

"What an incredible journey we've had together, @adidasfootball… with 'The Last Tango'… Let's go to the final, let's go Argentina!!!" he wrote on Instagram.

Messi's words have resonated deeply with Argentina supporters, who are preparing for the possibility that the final against Spain could mark the closing chapter of his World Cup career.

The forward has already completed the defining achievement of his international journey, delivering Argentina's first World Cup title in 36 years in Qatar in 2022 after years of heartbreak and near misses.

Having competed at a record sixth World Cup, Messi continued to defy expectations, scoring eight goals during the 2026 tournament and coming second in the race fr the Golden Boot.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner entered the World Cup in impressive form, having scored 12 goals in 14 MLS appearances for Inter Miami this season.

Messi remains under contract with the club until December 2028 after signing a three-year extension last October, leaving his future in Major League Soccer secure beyond the tournament.

Lionel Scaloni's side were bidding to become only the third team in history to win consecutive World Cups, following Italy's triumphs in 1934 and 1938 and Brazil's success in 1958 and 1962.

Could Messi play at the 2030 World Cup?

Although Messi has not announced his retirement from international football, his future remains one of the biggest talking points surrounding the final.

Messi's performances in North America have added to an extraordinary late-career resurgence.

Fifteen of Messi's 21 World Cup goals have come since he turned 35, underlining his ability to remain decisive despite his advancing years.

A place at the 2030 World Cup would offer Messi another remarkable opportunity, with Argentina set to host part of the tournament's centenary celebrations alongside Uruguay and Paraguay.

If selected, Messi would become the oldest outfield player to appear at a World Cup.

Scaloni: The best footballer the world has ever seen

Prior to Sunday's defeat, Argentina manager Scaloni refused to confirm whether the final would be Messi's international farewell, insisting the decision belongs to the player.

"He is history, a legend," Scaloni said. "I feel proud, he is the best footballer the world has ever seen and reaching a final at 39 is something unbelievable - and that is why I said we must enjoy him.

"With Diego Maradona, we still miss him, but Messi is still with us so we must enjoy him.

"I have no idea if this is Leo's last game, you will have to ask him. We haven't discussed it."

Messi himself previously suggested the 2022 World Cup final would be his last appearance in the competition.

"I am very happy for finishing my journey in World Cups in a final, to play the last game in a final. That is really very gratifying," he said before Argentina defeated France.

"There are a lot of years from this year to the next one. I don't think I will be able to do that. To finish this way is brilliant."

Those comments ultimately proved premature. Whether the same happens after the 2026 final remains to be seen, but judging by his performance in turning the semi-final against England on its head, there is little doubt over whether Messi is still capable of deciding matches at the highest level.

Speaking after the 2-1 victory over Thomas Tuchel's side, the Inter Miami forward praised the mentality of his side.

"It's crazy what this group has just achieved once again, reaching a World Cup final," Messi said in the mixed zone. "We come from being world champions. We have been the best over the last four years.

"No matter who it hurts or what they say, today once again we place ourselves among the two best in the world, and that shows that everything we did is not by chance and that no one gave us anything. Reaching two world finals in a row is no small feat, and this group achieved it.

"I've never doubted, and I knew that, at the very least, we would be among the final four.

"And that this group, when they come together, brings out something special from where they don't have it, and the pain goes away, and they get in good physical shape, and they play like they did today and never stop trying."

Regardless of his decision, Messi’s World Cup legacy is already complete.

The only remaining question is whether the loss against Spain marks the end of his tournament story - or the beginning of one last chapter before a potential farewell in 2030.

Lionel Messi - World Cup rankings since 1966 (Source: BBC Sport)

Category	Messi - World Cup Total	Rank Since 1966
Goals	21	2nd
Assists	12	1st
Big chances created	24	1st
Total shots	139	1st
Shots on target	64	1st
Expected goals (xG)	19.6	1st
Expected assists (xA)	11.1	1st
Successful passes in final third	639	1st
Passes played into the box	236	1st
Successful crosses	40	1st
Total ball carry distance	9,136 m	1st
Dribbles completed	137	1st

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