Retirement speculation around Lionel Messi has intensified after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain. The 39-year-old Argentina captain has not announced his retirement and has avoided questions on the subject since the tournament. His silence and tears after the final whistle have prompted questions over whether the match was his last in Argentina’s shirt.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes said it was time for many players to decide whether they would remain with the national team and that the matter should be considered calmly. He did not name Messi, although international media interpreted the remarks as an indication about the captain’s future. Coach Lionel Scaloni is also considering the future, while Nicolas Otamendi has already retired from international football.

Since beginning with Argentina in 2005, Messi has made 207 appearances, scoring 125 goals and providing 65 assists. He played 38 World Cup matches across six editions, with eight goals and four assists in 2026. TNT Sports reported that FIFA wants to stage a Finalissima between Spain and Argentina later this year, but whether Messi would feature remains uncertain.