There will be no final farewell for Lionel Messi.
The footballing legend lost the World Cup final against Spain despite a stellar tournament where he set a number of records.
Messi had previously cast doubt on appearing at the 2026 edition, having won 2022, so continuing at the age of 39 looked unlikely.
And now, controversial teammate Leandro Paredes appears to have confirmed as much.
Paredes appears to announce Messi retirement
Speaking upon returning to Boca Juniors, he said of Messi: “It hurts because, as we said throughout the World Cup, we didn’t want the last match to come.
“I think he had decided that it was his last game for the national team.”
Paredes, who’s more than capable of acting without thinking, then seemed to realise he’d stolen his teammate’s retirement announcement off him so quickly backpedalled.
“Hopefully not, I hope he can continue playing,” he said.
“It will be his decision. What makes him happy will surely make us happy too.”
More Argentina retirements
Far less consequential, Nicolas Otamendi has also retired from the national team.
On Instagram he wrote: “Today I have to write the most difficult words of my entire caree.
“It wasn’t the result we wanted, but I leave with my head held high.”
Paredes also suggested he may call it quits.
“I don’t know, it’s a process,” he said. “We have to digest it, think about it, not make hasty decisions, and it’s certainly something we have to talk about.
“For many, it will be a difficult decision to make about whether to continue or not. It was a beautiful, spectacular process; we achieved important things.
“It will be very difficult to maintain this level, for the group to continue functioning this way. We have to weigh a lot of things and talk with the coach, make decisions calmly.”
Finally, Emi Martinez has also suggested he may step down.
“There are many things to reflect on and how to move forward, and if it’s time to step aside,” he commented.
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