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Lionel Messi has immediately fueled his retirement speculations.(Photo: X)
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup final set to be a face-off between Argentina and Spain, Lionel Messi has immediately fueled his retirement speculations after sending a heartfelt message to his teammates and coaching staff: though he never officially declared his retirement, the ardently emotive tone of his words left many football fans wondering whether his previous innings in the iconic sky-blue and white T shirt was about to conclude after Sunday's big showdown.
Now 39, there's no mistaking that Messi is close to making his mark again, this time with the opportunity to lead Argentina to back-to-back FIFA World Cup triumphs.
In the lead up to the World Cup final match Lionel Messi sent a touching note reminiscing his journey with the Argentina national team rather than purely focusing on the glorious trophies, he turned his attention towards all the friendships forged, the challenges endured and all those unforgettable moments.
“The nicest thing about all these years was never just the titles, but all the way. Share the day to day with this group, compete together, get up in the difficult moments and relish every step.”
The heartfelt nature of this message instantly led to speculations that Messi may well be considering bidding adieu to the world’s biggest football tournament, though he never declared any intentions to do so.
Messi credited teammates, also the coaching staff and all the great people who work every day to keep the national team as a family.
"Thanks to each one of my teammates, to the coaching staff, and to all the great people who work every day to keep this National Team as a family."
He also emphasized that the squad had already left a legacy, no matter the result of the final.
"Whatever happens tomorrow, this group has already written a story that we will never forget and that no one will be able to erase."
The content posted by Messi immediately spread through the net, as thousands of fans thanked the football icon for being such an amazing representative for Argentina. Many considered it as the first signed goodbye from the superstar.
Even Antonela Roccuzzo, his wife, reacted by expressing deep emotions. She answered with sad, teary-eyed emojis that, as you can imagine, increased the discussion of fans.
There is no confirmation of whether Messi will play his last World Cup. Former superstar Lionel Messi has so far given the "day by day" answer to questions about his future with the national team.
Despite his age, Messi has been one of the standout performers of the tournament, scoring seven goals and leading Argentina to another World Cup final. Whether he lifts the trophy again or not, his impact on world football remains unmatched, and Sunday's clash against Spain could become another unforgettable chapter in his legendary career.
