Lionel Messi tearfully concludes World Cup career with loss to Spain
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 19, 2026, 10:57 PM
Last updated Jul 19, 2026
Argentina faced Spain in a tightly contested World Cup final on July 19, 2026, which ended in a 1-0 defeat for Argentina after extra time. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal, leading Spain to victory. Messi, aged 39, displayed intense emotion on the pitch, reflecting on a potential end to his illustrious international career. Having participated in six World Cups and scored 21 goals, Messi has not confirmed whether he will continue to play for Argentina. Following the match, Messi was seen comforted by Argentina fans, with expectations growing that he may retire from international competition after this tournament.
- •Argentina lost to Spain 1-0 in the World Cup final.
- •Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match.
- •Messi may have played his final match at the World Cup.
- •He has scored 21 goals across six World Cup appearances.
- •Messi's future in international soccer remains uncertain.
- 4:54 AMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi broke down in tears after potential last World Cup
- 10:57 PMYahoo Sports — 2026 World Cup: Messi cries after loss as international soccer career could be over
- 10:52 PMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi brought to tears as final World Cup ends in bitter defeat
"Lionel Messi became emotional following Argentina’s FIFA World Cup final loss on Sunday. The soccer legend is 39-years-old and may have played his last World Cup game. Fans inside New York New Jersey Stadium gave him a standing ovation that…
"While no official decision has been made, the 39-year-old has hinted this World Cup would be his last.
"Messi is yet to confirm his future plans but will be 43 at the next World Cup in 2030
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 20, 2026, 4:54 AMLionel Messi broke down in tears after potential last World Cup
Lionel Messi became emotional following Argentina’s FIFA World Cup final loss on Sunday. The soccer legend is 39-years-old and may have played his last World Cup game. Fans inside New York New Jersey Stadium gave him a standing ovation that…
- Yahoo SportsJul 19, 2026, 10:57 PM2026 World Cup: Messi cries after loss as international soccer career could be over
While no official decision has been made, the 39-year-old has hinted this World Cup would be his last.
- Yahoo SportsJul 19, 2026, 10:52 PMLionel Messi brought to tears as final World Cup ends in bitter defeat
Messi is yet to confirm his future plans but will be 43 at the next World Cup in 2030
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