After seemingly hinting that the 2026 FIFA World Cup final might be Lionel Messi’s goodbye to football, Messi has sparked new rumors about his future.
At MetLife Stadium, the captain of Argentina led the defending champions against Spain in an attempt to win the World Cup for the second time in a row—a feat not accomplished since Brazil won the trophy in 1962. Unfortunately for him, Ferran Torres of Spain’s lone goal in the 106th minute caused his team to lose the championship game.
With eight goals and four assists, Messi, 39, has been crucial to Argentina’s path to the championship. Additionally, he broke the record for the most World Cup goals, though Kylian Mbappe, a striker for France, has since surpassed him with 22.
Messi posted a picture of the adidas boots he will wear in the championship game with the caption, “What a journey we’re having together,” just hours before kickoff.
When admirers saw the words “El Ultimo Tango” written on the bottom of the boots, the message quickly gained attention. Translated as “The Last Tango”, the phrase is commonly associated with a final performance before retirement.
This would be Messi’s final World Cup appearance, as Adidas had already disclosed prior to the competition. While the Argentine has declined to confirm what happens next, the recent post has increased speculation that retirement could be approaching closer.
Messi’s legacy in the game is still intact even if he lost his second World Cup final in three tries. He has accumulated 919 career goals, won 40 club titles, four senior international awards with Argentina, and scored 125 goals in 206 games for his nation.
Messi has also faced criticism for his actions on Sunday night, July 19, during Argentina’s final loss to Spain.
The incident came after Enzo Fernandez, a midfielder for Chelsea, was sent off in stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
Messi claimed that Spain defender Marc Cucurella had come up to him while covering his mouth while Argentine players protested to Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic.
Wayne Rooney, the former captain of England, condemned Messi’s behavior, stating, “It is (desperation).” However, we know that’s how Argentina plays, and the one thing you want is good sportsmanship,” he remarked.
“Seeing Lionel Messi do that was sad.”
The same opinion was held by former England goalie Joe Hart. He remarked, “I didn’t enjoy that at all from Lionel Messi.”
“When you see that, you realize how dominant Spain is, with even Lionel Messi going back to that.”
During ITV’s live telecast, former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon was even more harsh. “If you’re getting bookings and red cards for that, to get someone sent off, the game has gone,” he declared.
“It’s absurd to try to send someone off for that; you shouldn’t be such a baby.”
According to information obtained by Naija News, Miguel Almiron of Paraguay was the first player to receive a red card under the new regulation that was implemented earlier in the tournament that forbade players from covering their mouths during altercations.
In the Round of 32 loss to Mexico, Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie was eventually ejected for the identical infraction.
