In 2016, at MetLife Stadium in New York, Lionel Messi faced a critical turning point in his career: to fight or to flee. After suffering back-to-back losses in major finals—first the 2014 World Cup against Germany and then the 2016 Copa America against Chile—Messi was left devastated. His immediate reaction was to step away from international football. At the age of 29, feeling that international glory might forever elude him, he announced his retirement from the Argentine national team, choosing instead to concentrate on his illustrious career with Barcelona. Even Diego Maradona, who had mentored Messi from 2008 to 2010, expressed doubts about his leadership qualities after the defeat, stating that Messi lacked the personality and character necessary to lead Argentina.
Event Context
Messi made a triumphant return for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, armed with newfound determination and a deeper understanding of his responsibility as Argentina’s captain. This decision not only revitalized his career but also reshaped the course of Argentinian football. In 2021, Argentina broke a 28-year drought without a major title by winning the Copa America, followed by clinching the Finalissima. His leadership led the team to victory at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, and Argentina successfully defended its Copa America title in 2024.
These successes significantly enhanced Messi’s legacy, placing him alongside football legends like Pelé and Maradona. Securing the World Cup fulfilled the pinnacle of football achievements, and leading Argentina to another World Cup final in 2026 reignited discussions about whether he is the greatest footballer, or even the greatest male athlete, of all time.
While many speculated that Qatar would be Messi’s last World Cup, he remained noncommittal about future tournaments until the very end, even after adding another Copa America to his accolades. Ultimately, he confirmed his participation for one last World Cup run.
The atmosphere felt magical, almost destined. However, the World Cup final unfolded differently, as Spain was rewarded for their cohesive team play over individual brilliance.
“I hope everyone feels proud of him and all that he has accomplished, as he is the best football player ever to step onto a pitch,” stated Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, following the final.
As the two-time defending champions, Argentina heads into this tournament with the possibility of allowing Messi to depart on his terms while guiding the next generation before the 2030 World Cup. Out of the 17 Argentine players featured in the recent final, only six were over the age of 30.
If this indeed marks the conclusion of Messi’s World Cup journey, it does so not with another trophy, but with tears. Nonetheless, few careers have enriched the sport quite like his.
Was this the final time we saw Lionel Messi in an Argentina shirt?
Just under two months later, Messi had a change of heart.
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What ensued was truly extraordinary. This time, it transcended mere trophies, records, or individual accolades. The most captivating phase of Messi’s later career has been his ability to reinvent himself at the age of 39.
The frenetic dribbling and dynamic runs that characterized his peak at Barcelona were no more. Instead, Messi learned to conserve his energy, skillfully maneuvering into threatening spaces, allowing Argentina’s midfield to control the game, and only unleashing his full potential at crucial moments.
This strategy proved successful. By the end of the tournament, he had racked up eight goals and four assists, remaining the driving force behind Argentina’s offense.
Remarkably, nearly half of his contributions came in the closing stages of matches. During the knockout phase, Argentina faced near defeat multiple times, only for Messi to deliver crucial moments of brilliance. They netted three goals in a 13-minute flurry against Egypt in the Round of 16 and struck twice within the last seven minutes against England in the semifinals.
Having successfully contained Kylian Mbappe in the semifinals, Luis de la Fuente’s squad entered the final with a clear strategy to minimize Messi’s impact. They disrupted his supply lines, crowded every space he aimed to occupy, and forced Argentina into prolonged periods without meaningful ball control. For perhaps the first time in the tournament, Messi seemed ordinary. He concluded the 120 minutes with just 54 touches, none within Spain’s penalty area, failed to create any chances, and made no significant impact until late desperation emerged.
The fairy tale ending eluded him.
Ferran Torres’ winner in the 106th minute secured Spain their second World Cup title, while Messi faced fresh heartbreak, revisiting the stadium where he had previously announced his retirement from international play.
As Spain celebrated, Messi stood in solitude, tears in his eyes, before making his quiet exit down the tunnel, once more leaving the football world ponder the same question:
A sixth World Cup appearance in 2030 seems nearly unfeasible. By then, Messi would be 43 years old and has nothing left to prove. With a World Cup victory to his name, two Copa America titles, eight Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League trophies, and thirteen league championships, he is undoubtedly the most decorated player of his era. Even if the result of Sunday had been different, his legacy arguably ranks him above every player in history, including his longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Whether Messi’s international career has truly come to a close remains uncertain. Scaloni admitted that he has yet to discuss retirement with his captain.
Match Outlook
At present, Lionel Messi is set to refocus his efforts on Inter Miami. After extending his contract in Major League Soccer through the 2028 season, he is slated to remain active until he approaches his 41st birthday. There may yet be one final opportunity ahead. If he can maintain his competitive edge at the age of 41, could he participate in one last Copa America in 2028?
