After World Cup final heartbreak, was that the end for Lionel Messi in an Argentina jersey?

The 2026 World Cup final ended in heartbreak for Lionel Messi and Argentina. Now the question for the 39-year-old is whether he will retire from the national team.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — A few minutes after 6 p.m., Lionel Messi sat on the grass at MetLife stadium, his legs splayed in front of him, and took in the scene. Across the way, Spain was celebrating, having just beaten Argentina 1-0 in extra time of the World Cup final. Messi had played all 120-plus minutes, about a month after his 39th birthday.

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