Lionel Messi may have played his final World Cup with Argentina, spotted in tears after receiving his runner-up medal from Donald Trump
Lionel Messi was in tears after the World Cup final (Image: BBC)
Lionel Messi was spotted bawling in the aftermath of the World Cup final, in a major hint that his time with the Argentina national team has drawn to a close. The South American nation were unable to defend their title at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, suffering a heart-breaking 1-0 loss to Spain thanks to Ferran Torres’ strike in extra-time.
After Rodri was announced as the Player of the Tournament, Pau Curbasi was named the Young Player of the Tournament, and Joan Garcia picked up his golden glove award, Argentina were given a guard of honour by Luis de la Fuente’s Spain, as they made their way to the podium to pick up their runner-up medals. After a handshake from Gianni Infantino and US President, Donald Trump, Messi made his way over to the far side of the pitch to thank travelling fans from his home nation. And as he did so, he couldn’t hold back the tears, spotted streaming in emotion as the reality that this summer could have marked his final World Cup hit home.
At 39, there was speculation that the 2026 World Cup would be his last dance in international football. But with his tears and emotional exit from the pitch in New Jersey, it has seemingly been all-but-confirmed.
Guy Mowbray, who was on BBC commentary for the encounter couldn’t help but ponder whether Messi’s time on the world stage has come to a close, as he said: “And now, now it comes home to roost for Lionel Messi. Are we seeing the end of the greatest era there’s ever been in the game.”
To which, Alan Shearer added: “Well, judging by the reaction then maybe. And that’s sad to see, but also refreshing to see someone who has achieved so much, it means that much to them. And it hurts, it hurts like hell.”
Lionel Messi missed out on the World Cup title (Image: Getty)
Mowbray then added: “Tears of what might have been for Lionel Messi. And there’ll be plenty of tears the world over when the day comes that he does announce that he has kicked his last ball in front of us all.”
Regardless of failing to win world football’s greatest prize, Messi has enjoyed an admirable tournament in North America – racking up eight goals in the race for the Golden Boot, beaten only by Kylian Mbappe, who managed a grand total of 10 with France.
And should Messi make the decision to call time on his international duties, he will be able to reflect fondly on a remarkable 21-year stint, filled with accolades and trophies. On top of winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with his nation, Messi has two Copa America titles and a Finalissima to his name.
He also has Golden Boot honours from 2014 and 2022, on top of a tally of 21 goals in total at the World Cup and 16 Argentine Footballer of the Year awards. It comes as Messi will now turn his attention back to club football with Inter Miami, where he is under contract until 2028.
The Rosario-born talent has enjoyed a remarkable three-year stint in Florida thus far, bagging the Leagues Cup in 2023, a Supporters’ Shield in 2024 and the MLS Cup in 2025. Proving that age isn’t holding him back, he has also racked up 90 goals and 51 assists in 104 appearances overall for Inter Miami since his arrival in 2023.