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‘I think he decided’: Leandro Paredes hints Lionel Messi may have already chosen Argentina retirement
Following Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, midfielder Leandro Paredes revealed the squad believed Lionel Messi was preparing to play his final match for the national team.
The future of Lionel Messi with the Argentina national team continues to be one of football’s biggest talking points. While the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has not officially announced his retirement, teammate Leandro Paredes has suggested that Messi may have already made his decision.
Speaking after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, Paredes admitted the players entered the tournament believing it could be Messi’s farewell campaign in the famous sky-blue and white jersey.
Paredes: ‘We didn’t want Leo’s last game to come’
In an interview with DSports, Paredes reflected on the emotional atmosphere within the Argentine squad throughout the World Cup.
The midfielder then made his strongest remark yet regarding Messi’s future.”I think he had already decided that it would be his last game with the national team.”
However, Paredes also admitted he still hopes the Argentine captain changes his mind.”Hopefully not—hopefully he can keep playing. It’ll be his decision, and whatever he decides, if it makes him happy, it’ll make us happy too.”
Messi yet to make official announcement
Since Argentina’s heartbreaking loss to Spain at MetLife Stadium, Lionel Messi has remained silent about his international future.
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The defeat, sealed by Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner, was followed by emotional scenes as Messi and several teammates struggled to hold back tears after the final whistle.
Despite widespread speculation, neither Messi nor the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has issued an official statement regarding his retirement.
An unforgettable international legacy
If the World Cup final ultimately proves to be Messi’s final appearance for Argentina, he will leave behind one of the greatest international careers in football history.
Across 207 international appearances, Messi has recorded:
- 125 goals
- 65 assists
His glittering trophy collection with Argentina includes:
- 2021 Copa América
- 2022 Finalissima
- 2022 FIFA World Cup
- 2024 Copa América
These achievements completed a remarkable journey that saw Messi transform from a player once criticised for falling short with the national team into Argentina’s most decorated football icon.
Finalissima could offer one last chapter
Speculation surrounding Messi’s future has intensified following reports that FIFA is keen to organise the next Finalissima between World Cup champions Spain and Copa América winners Argentina before the end of the year.
Should the fixture be confirmed, football fans around the world will eagerly wait to see whether Messi decides to make one final appearance in Argentina colours.
Until an official announcement arrives, uncertainty continues to surround the future of one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
