The echo of Argentina’s World Cup victory still reverberates across the globe, but for Lionel Messi the tournament may have already marked a quiet farewell to the national team.
Leandro Paredes, his teammate, hinted that the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder might have already played his last match in the sky‑blue jersey, a notion that has sparked speculation among fans and analysts alike.
Messi’s performances in Qatar were nothing short of spectacular; he finished second in the Golden Boot race with eight goals and was also runner‑up for the Golden Ball, the award for the tournament’s best player.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, while celebrating the team’s run to the final, admitted that he knows little about Messi’s plans beyond the World Cup, leaving the door open for both retirement and continued play.
Messi’s club future
Regardless of what the future holds on the international stage, the 35‑year‑old forward is set to remain a focal point in the United States, where he has signed a contract with Inter Miami that runs through 2028.
The MLS side, currently preparing for the upcoming season, will rely on Messi’s experience and goal‑scoring prowess to chase silverware, a move that has already transformed the league’s profile worldwide.
Pundits note that the decision to step away from the national team could be influenced by a combination of physical wear, personal priorities and the desire to protect his legacy, factors that have been discussed in locker rooms and media outlets.
As the world watches, Messi’s next move — whether a permanent retirement or a continued partnership with his club — remains one of the most anticipated storylines in contemporary football.