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There was a sense of inevitability as Argentina suffered defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The sight of Lionel Messi’s tears after the full-time whistle in New Jersey suggested that the 39-year-old might finally be ready to end his illustrious international journey, having once again led his nation through the tournament in North America.

For once, Messi took a back seat as his teammates relied on a highly physical approach in a failed attempt to unsettle La Roja, instead of tailoring their play to suit his strengths. Given the nature of the loss, it would be a sorrowful conclusion to a magnificent relationship between player and nation. Yet, considering Messi’s extraordinary two-decade contribution in the Albiceleste colours, that sadness will soon yield to gratitude and admiration.

Messi’s international career stands as a testament to perseverance—a quality that Lionel Scaloni’s team personified throughout his eight-year tenure. Nearly ten years ago, Messi had almost hung up his Argentina shirt for good, only to return stronger and go on to claim all three major honours for his country after turning 34.

Sunday’s defeat struck him deeply; Messi described the pain as “immense, and it will take time for this wound to heal.” Yet whatever decision he now takes, he can find comfort in knowing that his legacy has long been secure. As he himself said before the tournament began: “I already completed the game at the last World Cup in Qatar.”

Tumultuous career

It’s worth recalling how easily Messi’s international journey could have ended differently. In another timeline, his Argentina chapter might have closed a decade ago.

Following his rise to superstardom in the late 2000s, Argentina looked to make the former Barcelona forward their central figure. However, early international tournaments brought frustration. Messi failed to find the net at both the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 2011 Copa America, with Argentina exiting in the quarter-finals each time.

This preceded the lowest phase of his international career as he came agonisingly close to glory in three successive finals after becoming captain at 24—near misses that ultimately led him to announce his retirement from international football.

Argentina’s extra-time loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final was followed by painful defeats to Chile in the Copa America finals of 2015 and 2016. That third heartbreak seemed to break him.

However, Messi’s retirement lasted less than two months. He reversed his decision, remarking, “We need to fix many things in Argentinian football, but I prefer to do this from inside and not criticise from outside.”

He went on to lead Argentina to the 2018 World Cup. Although that campaign ended in disappointment, the appointment of Lionel Scaloni—initially as caretaker—after their last-16 exit marked a turning point.

Unbreakable bond

Messi’s change of heart and Scaloni’s arrival would prove two of the most defining moments in modern Argentine football.

Scaloni’s appointment divided opinion early on, particularly after the team’s failure to win the 2019 Copa America. Yet, over time, he transformed Argentina from underachievers into a cohesive, formidable unit, built around Messi’s brilliance. As the coach put it, “Football is about heart, gut instinct and never giving up.”

Under his guidance, Argentina ended their 28-year wait for a major trophy by winning the 2021 Copa America, defeating rivals Brazil in the final. Messi, then 34, was exceptional, directly contributing to 75 percent of Argentina’s goals during the tournament.

The momentum carried into the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina triumphed over France on penalties to lift their first World Cup in 36 years. Despite an early setback against Saudi Arabia, Messi was instrumental—producing 10 goal contributions and scoring twice in the final—to cement his place as the greatest footballer of all time.

This extraordinary redemption story saw Messi go from retirement to world champion within six years, strengthening his unbreakable bond with Argentina and their fans worldwide.

Beginning of the end

Though Argentina successfully defended their Copa America title in 2024, there were doubts about their ability to retain the World Cup, as the squad had remained largely unchanged since 2022. Many of its key figures were ageing, and their pre-tournament form was unconvincing.

Messi himself often questioned his participation in the 2026 edition, citing concerns over his fitness. Even as recently as March, Scaloni admitted that the Inter Miami star hadn’t decided whether to play due to recurring injuries.

Ultimately, Messi committed to one final campaign, leading Argentina to another World Cup final with eight goals and four assists, featuring prominently in a thrilling Golden Boot race.

He repeatedly dragged his side through difficult moments, but in the final, even his magic wasn’t enough.

Going down with a fight

Messi’s legacy was already secure long before Sunday’s match in New Jersey, and that was fortunate—because his teammates made the occasion memorable for the wrong reasons. Argentina’s overly aggressive approach made them the clear villains, and that undid them.

Amid a string of flashpoints, Enzo Fernandez was rightly sent off after receiving a second yellow card in stoppage time for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsi, leaving Argentina with 10 men for extra time. Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute goal sealed Spain’s victory, and this time, there was no last-gasp miracle from Messi.

For once, the talisman was a spectator, as Argentina failed to register a single shot in regulation time—becoming the first team to do so in a World Cup final since records began in 1966. Their first attempt on goal didn’t come until the 117th minute.

Still, history will not remember this match as Messi’s farewell or for his quiet performance, but as the day Spain’s footballing philosophy triumphed over Argentina’s excessive aggression.

Silent exit

After the game, reporters gathered in the mixed zone of the New York/New Jersey Stadium, expecting a major announcement from Messi. None came. The captain reportedly led his teammates silently past the waiting media two hours after full-time, their silence leaving his international future uncertain. Scaloni later explained, “The lads weren’t in the mood to talk at this moment, and that’s fair.”

The team departed New York early Monday, set to land in Buenos Aires later that day. Messi’s initial statement on social media offered no clarity on his next steps.

End of an era

In his post-match press conference, an emotional Scaloni avoided confirming Messi’s future. “He’s 39 years old, it’s unbelievable,” said the coach. “There’s nothing new to say. It was always clear he would play until he decided otherwise. Everyone supports him, and I hope our people are proud because he’s the best player ever.”

However, Scaloni hinted that the defeat might mark a turning point, admitting tearfully that it would be “complicated” for him and his staff to continue. “It’s been a pleasure to be here; I never even dreamed of it. If the president wants me to stay until December, I’ll stay, but after that, it’ll be complicated. We need to reset, to form a group like this again—it’s hard to do. It hurts my soul. I’m sorry.”

Legacy secured

As the world awaits Messi’s next move, one thing is certain: this defeat won’t define his legacy. Instead, it will be remembered as the day his team fell short, not him.

Whatever comes next, Messi’s legend was sealed long ago—both through his club triumphs and the unforgettable 2022 World Cup victory. Nothing can alter that.

Whether his tears after receiving the silver medal reflected the end of his love story with Argentina or simply the sting of defeat, they serve as a reminder that he had already “completed football.” Another title would merely have been an encore to a career that has already transcended greatness.