2026 World Cup: Lionel Messi at a Crossroads: “He’s Already Made His Decision”
The 2026 World Cup final, which Argentina lost to Spain in extra time, may have been Lionel Messi’s last game with the Albiceleste. Leandro Paredes explains the Rosario star’s decision; after the controversial post-match events in East Rutherford, he has already returned to play for his club, Boca Juniors, in a 1-0 Copa Sudamericana victory over Chile’s O’Higgins, with a goal by Miguel Merentiel off an assist from Paredes himself.
“Leo has made his decision; that final might have been his last game with Argentina,” Paredes told Argentine reporters. “I hope he’ll reconsider and decide to continue, but we’ll be happy either way, given what he’s given to Argentina over the years.”
If the 2026 World Cup final truly were to be Messi’s last appearance with Argentina, the star would end his career at age 39, with 207 appearances and 125 goals—all-time records for the Albiceleste. Messi has played in three World Cup finals with his national team, winning the 2022 final against France in a penalty shootout and losing the 2014 final against Germany 1-0 in extra time, as well as the 2026 final against Spain.
