By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Lionel Messi has fuelled speculation over his future after appearing to hint at retirement just hours before Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain, according to talkSPORT.
The 39-year-old captain will lead the reigning champions out at MetLife Stadium as Argentina bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.
Messi has been instrumental in Argentina’s run to the final, scoring eight goals and providing four assists, while making a decisive contribution in every match of the tournament.
The legendary forward has also broken the record for the most World Cup goals, although he now trails France’s Kylian Mbappe by one after the latter moved onto 22 goals.
Having already guided Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, another triumph would further cement Messi’s place among football’s greatest-ever players.
Ahead of Sunday’s final, however, the Inter Miami star sparked fresh retirement rumours with a cryptic post on Instagram.
Sharing a picture of the adidas boots he will wear against Spain, Messi wrote: “What a journey we’re having together.”
The boots also feature the inscription “El Ultimo Tango” — Spanish for “The Last Tango” — a phrase commonly associated with a final performance before retirement.
Adidas had previously unveiled the boots before the tournament, describing the 2026 World Cup as Messi’s final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
While the Argentine has remained non-committal about his plans beyond the tournament, the latest message has intensified speculation that he could bring the curtain down on his remarkable career in the near future.
Messi’s trophy haul includes 40 major honours at club level with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, in addition to four senior international titles with Argentina.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored 125 goals in 206 appearances for La Albiceleste and boasts an astonishing 919 career goals, underlining a legacy that ranks among the greatest in the history of sport.
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