Reports say Messi may have ended Argentina career

Argentina captain Lionel Messi told his teammates before the World Cup final that the match against Spain would be his last for the national team, Argentine journalist Hernan Castillo said.

Castillo said the 39-year-old delivered an emotional speech in the dressing room and told the squad he would end his international career regardless of the final’s result.

Neither Messi nor the Argentine Football Association has officially confirmed the report.

In a message published after Argentina’s defeat by Spain, Messi thanked supporters and expressed pride in the team but did not announce his retirement from international football.

Messi has represented Argentina since 2005. He helped the country win the 2022 World Cup, the Copa America in 2021 and 2024 and the 2022 Finalissima.

N. Tebrizli