A report said that Lionel Messi, Argentina's captain, informed his national team teammates that he had already played his last match in the 'tango dancers' jersey against Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

Messi had hoped to win the title for the second consecutive time, and he bore the responsibility of leading Argentina to the final after scoring 8 goals and providing 4 assists, but his hopes were shattered by a 1-0 loss to Spain after extra time.

Argentine journalist Hernán Castillo said on his X account: 'The speech in the dressing room was more impactful because he spoke about it being his last match. The other speech was in the hallway. And as in other matches, he did not say anything impactful in the hallway.'

Messi had contributed significantly to Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory, which put him on equal footing with the late Diego Maradona in the theoretical race for the title of the best.

Although Messi turned 39, he dominated the World Cup pitches, stealing the spotlight with his decisive touch and helping his teammates score, and he was one win away from a historic achievement.

Messi is currently linked to playing for Inter Miami in the US after an amazing career in Europe that made him the best player in Barcelona's history, before a brief stint with Paris Saint-Germain.