Has Lionel Messi retired? Latest on Argentina star after major hint before World Cup final heartbreak

However, it wasn’t to be for Messi and co. in the World Cup 2026 final.

Nothing has been confirmed as of yet, but Messi did drop a major hint that the World Cup final would be his last appearance in an Argentina shirt.

Before kick-off against Spain, Messi uploaded a post on Instagram, displaying the adidas boots he would be wearing and wrote: “What a journey we’re having together.”

On the bottom of his boots were the words ‘El Ultimo Tango’ which translates to ‘The Last Tango’, thus hinting at his final appearance.

Furthermore, a post on X, formerly Twitter, from the Argentina national football team is, arguably, the clearest hint yet that Messi will not pull on the famous blue and white striped shirt again.

“There will never be enough words to thank you for all the joy you’ve given us,” the post read.

“The greatest of all time. Forever grateful for you, Captain.”

Of course, if Messi does announce his retirement, it will only be in relation to international football after signing a new contract with Inter Miami last October that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2028 MLS season.