During the group stage of the tournament, Messi was asked the most important question: 'Will you continue playing for several more years?'

Messi replied, 'Yes, yes... I will continue playing for a while. As long as I am able to give my best, feel physically good, and can compete and help my teammates, I will keep playing.'

But the journalists clarified that the question was about the next World Cup, saying 'No, no... we mean will we see you at the next World Cup?' Messi answered, 'I don't know. Honestly, I'm not thinking about that now; it's still a bit far off. As I said, I live day by day and focus on the present.'

Although Messi did not talk about retirement, the entire atmosphere of the tournament carried a 'last dance' vibe.

The new song adopted by the Argentine national team, titled 'The Fourth Star,' included the line 'For the Malvinas Islands, for Diego, and for Leo's last World Cup.'

The song, adapted from a track by Argentine artist Gilda, became an anthem sung by the players in the locker room, and the quest for the title turned into a collective mission centered on giving Messi a perfect ending to his international career.

Lautaro Martínez also stated after the thrilling win over Egypt: 'Messi deserves this achievement because he is playing his last World Cup, and because he is our captain.'

As for Giuliano Simeone, he was visibly emotional after beating England in the semifinals, saying, 'We have no choice but to give everything and run for him.'

His emotions while talking about Messi led many to believe that the tournament would indeed be the last appearance of the Argentine legend in his national team jersey.

For his part, Rodrigo De Paul, who is among the players closest to Messi in recent years, refused to engage in speculation about his international future, saying, 'Predicting the future is not a good thing.'