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Lionel Messi has not officially declared his retirement from the Argentina national team, following a heartbreaking 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Speculation about his retirement surged due to emotional post-match reactions, an AFA tribute video, and Messi wearing boots inscribed with “El Ultimo Tango.”
Messi scored 8 goals during the 2026 tournament. His career with the Albiceleste includes over 120 goals in more than 200 appearances, a 2022 World Cup title, and a 2021 Copa América trophy.
The retirement that almost happened a decade ago
On June 26, 2016, after losing the Copa América Centenario final to Chile on penalties, a 29-year-old Messi announced he was done with international football. He returned weeks later. Everything that followed — the 2021 Copa América triumph in Brazil, the 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar, and the extraordinary 2026 run — happened because Messi changed his mind.
What comes next
AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia has stated that the decision to retire would be entirely Messi’s, with no pressure from the federation. Teammate Leandro Paredes hinted that Messi had been contemplating stepping away but expressed hope he would continue. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has been managing Messi’s involvement on a game-by-game basis.
Messi has indicated he will keep playing as long as he feels physically capable and can contribute effectively. Reports had suggested he might continue representing Argentina through the 2028 Copa América. There is optimism among Argentina’s coaching staff regarding his continued participation. His contract with Inter Miami runs through the end of the 2028 MLS season.
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