“Every time a match ended, I waited for and missed your message. That’s when I realized the situation was really serious. Even so, I never stopped thinking about going as far as possible, so I could give you time and let you watch a game,” the forward wrote on his @leomessi account.

“We reached the final, and you couldn’t be there. I wanted to win it for you, to bring it home and show you a new one. I couldn’t. My legs had nothing left. This time, I tried to push through my physical limitations, but I couldn’t. I never felt right.”

Messi’s emotional message highlights the physical toll he endured throughout the 2026 World Cup. That could perhaps prove decisive when it comes to a potential retirement in the near future.

Giving it everything despite his physical limitations

At 39 years old, Lionel Messi turned in a masterclass campaign at the 2026 World Cup, serving as the undisputed catalyst in Argentina‘s run to the championship match. Messi tallied 8 goals and 4 assists across 8 matches, directly contributing to 12 goals.

Though La Albiceleste fell short in a dramatic 1–0 extra-time loss to Spain in the final, Messi’s brilliance, reaffirmed his status as one of the most decisive forces on soccer’s biggest stage.

Will Lionel Messi play for Argentina again?

Argentina will close out the 2026 international calendar with two remaining FIFA match windows: an extended window scheduled from September 21 to October 6, followed by a two-match window running from November 9 to November 17.

As La Albiceleste prepare for these final international test fixtures of the year, all eyes remain on whether Lionel Messi will be present to suit up and feature in Lionel Scaloni’s squad for these upcoming commitments.

In an open letter to his late father, Messi spoke as truthfully as ever, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes reality of his career over the past few weeks, throughout the 2026 World Cup and during his games with Inter Miami. As the Argentine prepares to resume the 2026 MLS season with the Herons, he revealed that he’s having trouble finding the motivation to keep playing professional soccer now that his idol has passed away.

“I don’t know what I will do without you. I don’t know how to move forward. I only played soccer, and now I have many doubts about whether I’ll keep doing it much longer,” Messi stated on an Instagram post. “You were by my side from the beginning, and there was so little left before the end. Why couldn’t you resist a little longer so we could finish together?”

Messi played 2026 World Cup for his father

In his letter to Jorge, Lionel revealed many things that were unknown to many, including his father’s role in convincing him to play at the 2026 World Cup with Argentina. Throughout his heartbreaking letter, Messi also revealed he struggled physically during the World Cup, but kept going for his dad.

That’s one more thing soccer fans across the globe must thank the late Jorge Messi for. Not only did he father one of the greatest players in the sport’s history, but he gave fans all over the world the chance to see the Argentine ace at his best even at 39.

“You asked me so much to play in the World Cup, and just when it was about to start was when you got worse. I told you we would reach the final so you could be at the stadium. After every game, I waited for and missed your message. That’s when I realized the situation was really ugly. You couldn’t enjoy anything. We weren’t champions, but you have no idea just how much we enjoyed it. Once more, you were right: I had to play in the World Cup,” Messi wrote on his Instagram.

Could Messi retire soon?

Much was speculated about Messi’s future after the 2026 World Cup, which was most likely his last. However, initial reports indicated that the Argentine magician would represent La Albiceleste in upcoming international friendlies, World Cup qualifiers, and tournaments like the Copa America and Finalissima.

Still, the passing of his father could change everything. As things stand, Messi is under contract with Inter Miami through the 2028 MLS season, but he could find a way out of the deal if he truly wants to step away from the sport.

Only time will tell how serious Messi is about hinting at retirement or whether it’s simply the emotional side of him speaking after losing his guide.

“Stay strong, Leo Messi and family. We are with you in this difficult moment. We send you our most heartfelt embrace,” the brief statement read. Messi and his family have received an outpouring of messages of support and love from around the world.

Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Messi developed as a soccer player, also expressed its condolences, along with other organizations and prominent figures. One of the most difficult moments in the No. 10’s life has been met with an outpouring of support from the soccer world.

Jorge’s influence on Lionel Messi’s career

Jorge Messi has been a decisive and foundational figure in his son’s career, serving as his primary manager, advisor, and agent from the very beginning. It was Jorge who took the pivotal step of traveling to Spain to bring a young Lionel to try out for FC Barcelona, negotiating the essential agreement that secured the club’s funding for his growth hormone treatment.

For over two decades, he directed contract renewals, image rights, and major career transitions—including the moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami—acting as the strategic force behind the scenes throughout Lionel’s professional journey.

The final goodbye to Jorge Messi

According to Miami Herald sportswriter Michelle Kaufman, Lionel Messi will travel to Rosario to reunite with the rest of his family and say a final goodbye to his father. His commitments with Inter Miami will inevitably be put on hold.

“I valued it much more, perhaps because it was the last one. I think it was the last one, I cannot make another. I felt like I played the World Cup before starting the World Cup,” the Olympique de Lyon player shared on his live stream.

“A soccer player’s career is short and you think ‘may the final stage never arrive,’ but it arrives. You have to take it calmly and know that you gave everything and more, but everything has an end, as the song says,” he continued.

Tagliafico urges fans to value World Cup accomplishment

Tagliafico not only talks about himself, but also about how fans need to value what was accomplished more, as reaching two consecutive finals is no easy task. While fans have grown accustomed to seeing this in recent years between Argentina and France, the sacrifice required is tremendous.

“We already have the gold one from 2022. Here we have this one,” the fullback said, displaying the silver medal the team received after the match at MetLife Stadium. “We have to be proud of the World Cup that was played. It is not easy to reach two finals or have two medals.”

He immediately added: “You have to give it importance and also know how to lose. This shows that you made it, that you reached the final and gave everything. It’s soccer, you can win and you can lose.”

Addressing what happened in the final against Spain and how the squad arrived at the match, he noted: “I don’t want it to sound like excuses, but we reached the final physically and mentally exhausted. Spain played very well and were deserved winners. We played poorly.” Regarding the pitch, he stated: “The pitch in the final was bad. The stadium was dry. It was so hot, and we played early due to television factors.”

Tagliafico standout performer in the final

It is worth noting that his individual performance in the tournament final was one of the highest points for Argentina, as he managed to neutralize young Spanish star Lamine Yamal for much of the match.

For many, he was Argentina’s most consistent player, showing the best resurgence, standing out as one of the team’s highest points, and serving as arguably Argentina’s best player in the final.

His next potential target would be the 2028 Copa America, when he would be 41 years old. Continuing at that age would be a major challenge, although the longevity of another superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, could give Messi some optimism about extending his international career.

For now, Lionel Messi is expected to remain active at club level with Inter Miami, meaning he will continue playing competitive soccer in MLS even if his international future becomes more limited.

Will Messi retire from Argentina after the 2026 World Cup?

The uncertainty surrounding Lionel Messi’s future grew after recent comments from AFA president Claudio Tapia, who was asked about the possibility of the Argentina captain continuing through the 2028 Copa America. During an interview with TyC Sports, Tapia made it clear that the decision ultimately belongs entirely to Messi.

“It is purely a personal decision for him. We have to leave him alone. It was a great World Cup for Leo, and we enjoyed it immensely. We have to feel proud, and I enjoyed every moment I could. He was the leader of this group during this World Cup, just as he has been in every competition in which he has led this team. Of the five finals, he won four. For me, without a doubt, Messi was the best player at the World Cup.”

Tapia’s comments do not confirm that Messi is retiring from international soccer, but they also do not suggest that Argentina expects him to commit to the next cycle.

Messi’s next Argentina decision could define his legacy

Messi has already achieved virtually everything possible with Argentina. He won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 World Cup, the 2024 Copa America and continued to add to his international legacy during the 2026 tournament.

That makes his decision about 2028 particularly personal. If he chooses to continue, his experience and ability to remain productive could make him an important option for Argentina despite his age.

If he decides to step away, however, the 2026 World Cup could ultimately become the final chapter of one of the greatest international careers in soccer history. For now, Tapia’s message is clear: the decision belongs to Messi, and Argentina will not pressure its captain into making it before he is ready.

Speaking with Grego Rosello on Telefe’s streaming channel, Facundo Medina stated: “Why do you think we would do what in the match? We want to win like everyone else. What do you think? I would be happy, but we lost, and we have to accept it.”

Medina admitted that even his own mother began believing some of those theories, sharing how he reacted: “I told her: ‘Come on, you too with that, stop messing around.'” He also shared an emotional moment when speaking about her: “Monica is my beloved mother; I get emotional because there were days she didn’t eat just to feed me.”

Not the first time he has addressed the topic

Facundo Medina had already taken it upon himself to clear up the matter so people would stop spreading nonsense. Upon arriving at his family home, he delivered a speech from his balcony to neighbors in a video that circulated across social media, telling them:

“Don’t believe bulls**t. You saw through photos and videos that it was always a good group. Don’t believe bulls**t. We are very sad about losing. That’s why some of the guys didn’t come here. We feel bad, we feel sad. I know it’s bad because it’s a soccer match and there are more important things in life.”

Medina, whose transfer was recently acquired by Olympique Marseille following a loan season and is targeted by Germany’s Bayer Leverkusen, played 50 minutes in the final against Spain after replacing the injured Cuti Romero.

The left-footed defender started in World Cup matches against Algeria, Austria, and Cape Verde, and came on late in the game against Egypt. On the other hand, he was an unused substitute against Jordan, Switzerland, and England.

According to Diario Ole, the former referee, who recently announced his retirement from soccer, preferred not to reveal details about his exchange with Messi. “My chat with Messi? I will leave that conversation on the pitch,” Vincic said. “But I can say that he behaved in a sportsmanlike manner.”

The final produced several images that continued to generate discussion after the match, including the exchange between Messi and Vincic. That is why the official spoke out to clarify that nothing contentious occurred.

The high intensity of a final

Vincic knew the magnitude of the encounter and understood the work required to manage the match correctly. Beyond the minor criticism, it was a relatively fluid game. While there were a few altercations, most were driven by Argentina‘s desperation, and Vincic managed them well.

“The responsibility is massive when your entire refereeing career comes down to a single match,” Vincic said. “I knew most of the job would consist of managing the game: when to stop it and when to let the action continue.”

“It is the World Cup final. The mindset and the reactions of the players are different, and given the importance of the match, you have to understand everything. The biggest challenge is managing everything correctly during the game.”

Recognition through a lack of controversy

For the Slovenian official, one of the main indicators that his strategy worked was that the refereeing did not become the central topic after the match. Vincic believed his team found the right approach to control the game and praised the work of his assistants Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic, whom he described as a second family after sharing numerous tournaments, training sessions, and camps.

“We were not a topic of conversation after the match, which shows we did our job well overall,” Slavko Vincic said. “I believe our refereeing strategy was the right one.“

Argentina were leading 2-1 with only a few minutes remaining in the first period of extra time. That was when Lopes Cabral unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from the corner of the box, and despite Emiliano Martinez’s effort, the ball found its way into the top corner.

“The moment I dribbled past my opponent, I saw an opening and thought, ‘Let’s have a go’,” he revealed. “I shoot well with both feet. I saw the space and was eyeing the top corner. I aimed there and struck the ball really well.

“When I looked up and saw it heading for that top corner, I thought, ‘What the hell did I just do?’ I couldn’t believe it. I looked at my team-mates – everyone was screaming, hands on their heads, overjoyed.”

Cape Verde’s great World Cup

Against all odds, this team managed to win the hearts of many fans of the sport. Cape Verde entered the 2026 World Cup as one of the weakest sides, but they not only advanced to the next round, they also put up a fight against one of the giants of world soccer, Argentina.

A goalless draw against Spain and Saudi Arabia, along with a 2-2 draw against Uruguay, were their three group-stage results, which allowed them to advance to the Round of 32. There, in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament, they fell 3-2 to Argentina, bringing their journey to an heroic end.

The award that could have gone to Messi

Lionel Messi once again enjoyed an outstanding World Cup, finishing as Argentina’s leading scorer with eight goals. One of them came against Algeria’s Luca Zidane in La Albiceleste‘s opening match, when he unleashed a powerful shot that the goalkeeper was unable to keep out.

While many believe the No. 10’s career with the national team could be coming to an end, Lionel Messi is reportedly not expected to announce his international retirement yet, meaning fans could continue enjoying his goals in Argentina’s colors.

With a sincere and visibly affected tone, the coach who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar expressed his sadness over not being able to bring home another trophy. “After an intense week where sadness has been intertwined with joy, tears with a smile, anguish with calm, nerves with tranquility, I can sit down to write a few words, which although you know I do not like social media very much, might be the best medium to get it to you,” Scaloni wrote.

“I can only say I am sorry for not being able to bring you another trophy and give you a new joy that, even if only for a few days, might make you forget all the bad things in life. But I want you to hold onto what we have tried to show you through this group of players, my warriors, as I defined them when I spoke about them to my wife.

“The effort, the desire, the wanting to, the ‘I can’, not giving up (even when everything gets tough), giving it all (even when you have nothing left), enduring cold buckets of water (FROM PEOPLE WHO DO NOT KNOW US), knowing how to be, wanting to keep standing when your legs no longer obey your brain. That is the true trophy. Eternally grateful to my coaching staff, players, AFA staff, those who quietly work so that we are comfortable, and to each of you for the affection received.”

Fan support for Scaloni

Within minutes, the post was filled with thousands of supportive and grateful comments from fans who highlighted the work done by the coaching staff and the squad.

Scaloni‘s words arrived after a World Cup in which Argentina once again competed among the best on the planet. His message transcended the sporting result to focus on collective effort, resilience, and the values that, according to the coach, define the group he led over recent years.

A symbolic ending to the letter

The publication concluded with a postscript that moved his followers once again and quickly began going viral across social media: “Whoever has an Argentine friend has a treasure.”

Far from focusing solely on the defeat, Lionel Scaloni’s letter sought to give new meaning to the journey taken by Argentina throughout his successful tenure in the 2026 World Cup.

Olmo spoke to Diari de Terrassa, via Mundo Deportivo, reacting to Ayala expressing regret over the scuffle in the 2026 World Cup final and said, “Someone who claims to be remorseful but justifies a punch by saying it was a response to ‘something said’ is almost certainly not actually remorseful.”

But Olmo didn’t stop there. He called Ayala a liar. “He is not telling the truth, because I didn’t say anything to him, so I don’t need him to apologize. What truly defines us is not the mistake, but the courage to own up to it.” This all stems from Ayala punching Olmo in the face in the aftermath of the Spain vs Argentina World Cup final.

Olmo didn’t retaliate at all

When the incident happened, Olmo didn’t respond to the punch by Ayala. In fact, it was Eric Garcia the one that pushed the Argentina coach back. This has been a hugely controversial incident as Olmo has been praised for his calm and composure.

On the other hand, Ayala has been heavily scrutinized by this act. He is a coach, a much older personality and it seems like it all stemmed from something that Olmo said. Though now, Olmo has denied ever saying something.

Neither party has faced any consequences yet

While Olmo has nothing to fear, as he is a victim in this incident, Ayala might suffer some consequences. Ayala hasn’t been punished yet, but FIFA launched an official investigation.

Ayala could be suspended for a period of time and also, due to his actions, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) could be heavily fined. However, no decision has been made as of now.

Paredes spoke to the press and said a concerning statement about Messi. “I believe Messi had made the decision that the World Cup final would be his last match for the national team. I hope not. I hope he can keep playing. Whatever makes him happy will make us happy too.”

But that wasn’t the only concerning news. Paredes says Messi is not the only one thinking about it. “Many of us will have to think about whether to continue with the national team or not. It’s going to be very difficult to maintain this level and keep the group functioning the way it has. We need to make those decisions calmly.”

Messi led one of the most successful stints in Argentina’s history

Messi was the undoubted star of this generation for Argentina, but players like Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, ‘Dibu‘ Martinez, Nico Otamendi and many more were at the forefront of a golden age for the Albiceleste. All of them are north of 30 and could see their international careers as complete. After all, they won:

• 2x Copa America
• 1x Finalissima
• 1x World Cup
• 1x World Cup runners-up.

The future still can be bright for Argentina

While many legends could say goodbye, Argentina has four years to polish the new generation into a World Cup contender, and there are some key players that can shape the new generation. Also, players like Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister will transition into veteran roles but still remain.

Argentina should focus on the following players as the new core of the national team:

• Nico Paz – 21 years old – Attacking Midfielder
• Franco Mastantuono – 18 years old – Right Winger
• Valentin Barco – 22 years old – Midfielder
• Santiago Beltran – 21 years old – Goalkeeper
• Julio Soler – 21 years old – Left back
• Ezequiel Fernandez – 24 years old – Midfielder
• Tomas Aranda – 19 years old – Midfielder
• Maximo Perrone – 23 years old – Defensive Midfielder