An era comes to an end? Report: 39-year-old Messi told teammates that the World Cup final was his last match for Argentina

On July 21 Beijing time, Argentine journalist Hernán Castillo reported that following the World Cup final defeat, the 39-year-old Argentina captain Messi told his teammates in the locker room that the game against Spain marked his "last appearance" for the national team.

The journalist shared a clip of Messi’s speech before the 2021 Copa América final and wrote: "That pre-match motivational speech was delivered inside the locker room. But yesterday’s speech in the locker room was even more moving because he (Messi) also mentioned that this was his final match. The thing is, the other speech was in the hallway. Just like in previous games, he didn’t say anything too stirring in the hallway."

The journalist then reiterated: "This might indeed be his (Messi’s) last game."

Previously, Messi had confirmed that this World Cup would be his last, but he had not explicitly stated whether it would be his final appearance for the Argentina national team.

During the award ceremony after the loss to Spain, Messi was visibly emotional as he greeted Argentine fans, tears streaming down his face, making the farewell atmosphere unmistakable.

As a legendary Argentine footballer, Messi has played 206 matches for the national team, contributing 125 goals and 68 assists. Across six World Cups, he made 34 appearances, scoring 21 goals and providing 12 assists, leading the team to three finals, winning one championship and finishing as runner-up twice.

Although his final match ended in disappointment, the story and legacy he has written on the highest stage of international football are already remarkable enough.