Lionel Messi's international retirement may not happen as soon as Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final; reports say the legendary captain could continue to represent the national team for a few more months before he will retire as a footballer and have the ball dropped.
Messi, 39, was unable to lead Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles after La Albiceleste fell to Spain in the final 1-0. Even so, the tournament was a new chapter in Messi’s international career. He went on to make eight goals and four assists in the tournament as well, so far he is still influential even at the age of 39.
After the final there was speculation as to whether the match was Messi's last match for Argentina. However, Argentine reports suggest his international journey may not have ended in New Jersey.
Messi is not going to retire right away, Gastón Edul, journalist of TyC Sports, told the paper. The plan is for Argentina's captain to continue playing for the national team for a short period before being given a special farewell, they say. The idea is to organise a special farewell match for Messi, for the fans, for Messi's family and Messi's family to pay tribute to one of the country's greatest sports figures.
There has been no official announcement from Messi or the Argentine Football Association about a retirement date or a farewell match so the reports are not yet confirmed. Messi being able to play for the team and continuing with the national team has kept the door open for at least a few more appearances, but the possibility of him continuing to do so is still there.
Argentina has some major international competitions and games to play including a potential Finalissima match with Spain, the CONMEBOL qualifying campaign for the 2030 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Copa América. Messi could make more appearances at such events before he decides when he will end his international career.
Messi's playing career at club level is also secure for the time being. The veteran forward remains contracted to Inter Miami until 2028 so his international retirement would not necessarily mark the end of his professional playing career.
Messi’s contribution to Argentina’s modern golden era has been remarkable. Under coach Lionel Scaloni he won the 2021 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa América. Argentina also made the 2026 World Cup final and made it two consecutive World Cup final games for the national team.
The 2026 tournament defeat might have denied Messi another World Cup victory but it did little to lower his standing in Argentine football. He is still the country’s leading goalscorer and one of the most decorated players in the history of the national team.
If that is indeed true, Messi's farewell could be a great national celebration rather than a quiet retirement announcement. After nearly two decades representing Argentina, a specific farewell match would allow fans to pay tribute to the captain who took the country through one of its most successful periods in football history.
Messi's retirement remains unconfirmed at the moment as well. But it is believed that his last appearance for the national team may still be some time away, and fans may see their legendary captain in the blue-and-white jersey again.
