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Lionel Messi has seemingly hinted at a possible retirement just hours before playing for Argentina in the World Cup final, talkSPORT reports.
The 39-year-old will lead his country out against Spain at the MetLife Stadium.
Argentina are looking to become the first nation to win back-to-back World Cups since their South American rivals Brazil in 1962.
Messi has shone in their run to the final with eight goals and another four assists, with the forward contributing in every single fixture.
He also broke the record for the most goals scored at the World Cup, but is now one behind France star Kylian Mbappe, who has netted 22.
Having already won football’s biggest prize in 2022, a second title would add to his legendary status in world sport.
However, judging by a post on Instagram, tonight’s match could be one of the last in what has been an extraordinary career.
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Messi displayed the adidas boots he will be wearing against Spain and said: “What a journey we’re having together.”
Also Read: World Cup 2026: Messi Doesn’t Care About Personal Records –Aguero
Spotted on the bottom of his boots are the words ‘El Ultimo Tango’ which translates to ‘The Last Tango’.
It’s an idiom that relates to a final performance before retirement.
adidas revealed his boots before the World Cup began and said the 2026 tournament would be his last in the competition.
Messi has remained coy on his post-World Cup plans, but it looks as though hanging up his boots is a possibility in the coming months.
Messi has won a staggering 40 trophies at club level across his spells at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
He has another four senior honours with Argentina, for whom he has scored 125 goals in 206 appearances.
With an overall goal tally of 919, Messi has starred in one of the most outstanding careers of any top athlete.
