'We love you forever...': AFA’s message fuels Messi retirement speculation after World Cup final

Argentina's emotional tribute to Lionel Messi after the FIFA World Cup final defeat has fuelled fresh speculation that the legendary captain may have played his last match for the national team, although neither Messi nor the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced any decision on his international future.

After Argentina's 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, the AFA shared an emotional message for the 39-year-old, whose tears after the match became one of the defining images of the tournament.

"Your tears are our tears, Captain. You gave us the greatest joys of our lives. Thank you for the dedication, for the magic, and for giving it your all until the very last second. We love you forever, Leo!" the AFA wrote on X.

The heartfelt wording, particularly its gratitude for Messi's career and his effort "until the very last second," prompted widespread speculation among fans that the federation was preparing for the end of his international journey. However, there has been no official confirmation that Messi is retiring from Argentina duty.

Messi was visibly emotional after the final whistle and struggled to hold back tears as he watched his teammates collect their runners-up medals following Argentina's unsuccessful bid to defend the World Cup title.

The defeat ended another remarkable World Cup campaign for Argentina and denied Messi a second consecutive world title after leading La Albiceleste to glory in Qatar in 2022. During his international career, he also captained Argentina to Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024, cementing his place as the nation's most decorated footballer.

Spain claimed the title thanks to substitute Ferran Torres, who scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute with a powerful finish beyond goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

The victory secured Spain's second FIFA World Cup crown and their first since 2010. It also completed an unbeaten tournament in which La Roja conceded only one goal in eight matches.

Nineteen-year-old Lamine Yamal added another major trophy to his growing collection after helping Spain win UEFA Euro 2024, while midfielder Rodri orchestrated Spain's midfield throughout the tournament. Goalkeeper Unai Simón earned the Golden Glove after a series of outstanding performances, and Mikel Oyarzabal finished among the competition's leading scorers with five goals.

Torres also etched his name into World Cup history by becoming only the fifth substitute to score in a men's World Cup final and the first since Germany's Mario Götze netted the winner against Argentina in the 2014 final. He also became just the second Barcelona player to score in a World Cup final after Andrés Iniesta's famous extra-time winner for Spain in 2010.

Spain's title run included victories over Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France in the knockout stages before overcoming Argentina in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium.