Lionel Messi shed tears after the World Cup final (Image: BBC)
Lionel Messi was spotted shouting in the aftermath of the World Cup final, suggesting his time with Argentina is nearing an end. The South American nation was unable to defend its title at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, suffering a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Spain in extra time with a goal from Ferran Torres.
After Rodri was announced as the best player of the tournament, Pau Curbasi was named the best young player of the tournament, João García won the Golden Glove award, Argentina were given a guard of honor by Spain led by Luis de la Fuente, and they took to the podium to receive their runners-up medal. After shaking hands with Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump, Messi headed to the other side of the pitch to thank the fans who had traveled from his home country. As I was doing so, I was faced with the reality that this summer might be my last appearance in the World Cup, and I was overcome with emotion and couldn’t hold back my tears.
There was speculation that the 2026 World Cup would be the 39-year-old’s last dance in international football. But a tearful and emotional walk off the field in New Jersey makes that seem all but certain.
Guy Mowbray, who was commentating for the BBC during the match, couldn’t help but wonder if Messi’s time on the world stage was over: “And now Lionel Messi has come home to roost. Are we seeing the end of the greatest era in the history of the game?”
In response, Alan Shearer added, “Well, judging by the reaction, it might be. It’s sad to see that, but it’s also refreshing to see someone who’s achieved so much. It means that much to them. And it hurts, it hurts like hell.”
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Lionel Messi missed out on winning the World Cup (Image: Getty)
Mowbray added: “It brings tears to my eyes to think about what it has been like for Lionel Messi, and when the day comes that he announces that he has kicked that last ball in front of all of us, there will be many tears around the world.”
Despite failing to win world football’s top prize, Messi enjoyed a fantastic tournament in North America, scoring eight goals in the race for the Golden Boot, surpassed only by Kylian Mbappé, who scored a total of 10 for France.
And if Messi decides to end his international duties, he will be able to look back fondly on a remarkable 21-year spell filled with accolades and trophies. In addition to winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with his country, Messi has also won two Copa America titles and a Finalissima.
He has also scored a total of 21 goals in World Cups and won the Argentine Player of the Year award 16 times, as well as the Golden Boot award in 2014 and 2022. This means Messi will turn his attention back to club football with Inter Miami, where he has a contract until 2028.
The Rosario-born talent has had an impressive three-year spell with Florida so far, winning the League Cup in 2023, the Supporters’ Shield in 2024 and the MLS Cup in 2025. Proving that age is not a factor, he has played a total of 104 games for Inter Miami since joining in 2023, scoring 90 goals and providing 51 assists.
