21/07/2026 03:23 - Deportes
The date July 19, 2026 will be etched in the memory of Argentine fans following the 1-0 defeat against Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, with a goal by Ferran Torres at the 106th minute. The image of Lionel Messi moving the world, crying with his arms on his hips on the pitch, reflected the pain of the entire team. However, the news brings hope: this was not his last match wearing the Argentine jersey.
After the final, the squad and their captain decided not to stop in the mixed zone (the area where journalists interview players post-match), maintaining a silence that generated intrigue. Shortly after, the player from Rosario (Messi hometown) broke his silence on social media with an emotional message: The pain is very great, but I also take all the good things and the wound that remained open. At 39 years old, and with an outstanding performance of 8 goals in the tournament, Messi gave no signs of retiring.
According to reports by TyC Sports (an Argentine sports network) and the Spanish newspaper Marca, the superstar never made a definitive decision to leave the national team after this World Cup. His philosophy is to evaluate year by year based on his physical condition. Everything indicates that his definitive farewell could happen in front of the Argentine public. The main future goal would be the 2028 Copa America (the premier international football tournament for South American national teams), likely in the United States, right when his two-year contract with Inter Miami (his current MLS club) expires.
The action does not stop. The Argentine National Team (often nicknamed La Albiceleste due to their sky-blue and white striped jerseys), still under the management of Lionel Scaloni (who announced he will fulfill his contract until December 2026), will return to action during the September 2026 FIFA international window with six friendly matches scheduled for September, October, and November.
The great horizon is the 2030 World Cup, which will begin symbolically in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, before moving to Spain, Morocco, and Portugal. As a host nation, Argentina already has its spot secured, although they will participate in the South American Qualifiers starting in September or October 2027. This would give Messi the unique opportunity to bid farewell to World Cups in his own country.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
