Is this Messi's last World Cup game? Emotional post fuels farewell talk

Lionel Messi spoke his heart out to the entire squad ahead of the World Cup final. It was a rather simple rallying cry but it was bound to pull the heartstrings. However, it also raised specualtion that it could turn out to be the superstar's final game in Argentina colours, atleast at the World Cup. Messi is all set to chase World Cup glory once again when Argentina take on Spain in a mouth-watering clash. Before the match, he decided to speak to his teammates, the coaching staff and the rest of the Albiceleste squad via social media. Messi reflected on his time with the national team and the bond he has formed with the players."The nicest thing about all these years was never just the titles, but all the way. Share the day to day with this group, compete together, get up in the difficult moments and enjoy every step," said Messi.Messi also expressed his gratitude towards the people working behind the scenes to keep the family atmosphere going within the team. He credited the unity within the squad as the main reason for the continued success of the team. "Thanks to each one of my teammates, to the coaching staff, and to all the great people who work every day to keep this National Team as a family," Messi said.Ahead of the tough test on Sunday, Messi decided to look past the immediate result of the final, saying that the team has already written a beautiful story in the tournament. "Whatever happens tomorrow, this group has already written a story that we will never forget and that no one will be able to erase," Messi wrote.MESSI'S MESSAGE LEAVES WIFE TEARY-EYEDThis brought in multiple reactions from fans and well-wishers of Messi, who thanked him for his contributions to the national team. Most of them were emotional when it came to their response for the superstar. Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, was left emotional and teary-eyed reading Messi's post and responded with a series of emojis. If Argentina can win the World Cup, it could end up being a proper farewell for Messi from the international stage.- EndsPublished On: Jul 19, 2026 11:41 IST