2026 World Cup: Messi cries after loss as international soccer career could be over

Spain and Argentina went into extra time to decide a winner, and it was Spain that came away with the 1-0 victory. The loss for Argentina means that the international football future of Lionel Messi is officially uncertain. The legendary player has entertained the idea that the 2026 World Cup would be his last, but has not made a definitive statement on his international soccer future. Messi has now played in six World Cups and has scored 21 goals in the tournament in his tenure. After the loss to Spain, he was seen getting emotional on the pitch, seemingly taking everything in for possibly the last time on such a grand stage. As the confetti falls for Spain, Lionel Messi walks off the pitch in the FIFA World Cup for what could be his last time pic.twitter.com/njDUcCGBrd — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 19, 2026 Messi is visibly emotional after playing in what could be his final FIFA World Cup match. If this is it, thank you Leo 🩵 pic.twitter.com/CZfteurfH1 — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 19, 2026 Lionel Messi sat on the pitch after his final-ever World Cup match taking it all in 🥺 pic.twitter.com/7EjUIcc7vO — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 19, 2026 Messi has not yet said for sure if he will continue his international playing career. Ahead of the World Cup Final, he posted twice on his Instagram account . One was a post of him wearing cleats that read "The Last Tango" on the bottom. The other was a message about playing for Argentina and what it has meant to him. "The best part of all these years was never just the titles, but the journey itself. Sharing the day-to-day with this group, competing together, picking ourselves up during tough times, and enjoying every step of the way. Thank you to each of my teammates, the coaching staff, and everyone who works every day to ensure this national team remains a family. No matter what happens tomorrow, this group has already written a story that we will never forget, and that no one can erase" Messi first played for Argentina at the 2006 World Cup. He made three appearances, with his first being off the bench as a substitute. In that tournament, Messi played in three matches and recorded one goal and one assist as Argentina reached the quarterfinals. Overall, Messi's World Cup career spans 34 games . He has played a total of 3,054 minutes and has scored 21 goals with 12 assists. The forward is 39 years old. If he does intend to play in the next World Cup in 2030, he will turn 43 by the time the tournament begins. Tus lágrimas son las nuestras, Capitán 👑🇦🇷 Nos diste las alegrías más grandes de nuestras vidas. Gracias por la entrega, por la magia y por dar la vida hasta el último segundo 🙌 ¡Te amamos para siempre, Leo! 🩵🤍 pic.twitter.com/YxcYJbwuPl — 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) July 19, 2026