Lionel Messi Retiring From Football? Argentina Coach Scaloni Breaks His Silence

Lionel Messi’s future in international football is once again under the spotlight after Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni addressed speculation over whether the 39-year-old superstar will retire following Argentina’s World Cup final defeat. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has said Lionel Messi will continue playing for as long as he wants, leaving the decision over the 39-year-old captain’s future to the player himself after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. ANI reported on Tuesday, July 21, that Scaloni praised Messi following Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in Sunday’s final in New Jersey, saying the veteran forward would have the full support of his teammates and those around him if he chooses to continue his career. “He’s going to play up until he decides to do so, and that all the team players, team-mates, and all of his people were going to support him,” Scaloni said, as quoted by The Athletic. “I hope that everyone feels proud of him and of what he’s achieved because he’s the best football player ever.” Scaloni’s comments came after speculation over whether the final could mark the end of Messi’s World Cup career. The Argentina captain is now 39, and the 2026 tournament was his sixth appearance at the competition. Messi led Argentina to the World Cup title in 2022, completing one of the most significant chapters of his international career. He also helped his country win the Copa America in 2021 and 2024. The defeat to Spain denied Argentina the chance to retain the World Cup title. Spain secured a 1-0 victory after extra time, with substitute Ferran Torres reportedly scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute. For Scaloni, the result ended Argentina’s bid for back-to-back World Cup titles but did not diminish his assessment of Messi’s contribution to the national team. The manager’s comments also leave open the possibility that Messi could continue playing for Argentina beyond the 2026 tournament. However, Scaloni did not announce that Messi would remain with the national team or confirm whether he plans to participate in future international competitions. Instead, the coach made clear that the decision rests with Messi. Spain’s victory secured the country’s second men’s World Cup title after its previous triumph in 2010. The result also added to a successful period for the Spanish team following its Euro 2024 title. The final marked another major moment for Spain’s younger generation, including 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, who emerged as one of the tournament’s most prominent young players. Spain’s campaign was built on a combination of possession-based football and contributions from several key players. Midfielder Rodri was influential in controlling matches, while Mikel Oyarzabal was among the team’s leading scorers. Goalkeeper Unai Simon was also recognised for his performances during the tournament. Torres’ winning goal added another chapter to Spain’s tournament success. According to the supplied reports, he became only the fifth substitute to score in a World Cup final and the first since Germany’s Mario Gotze scored against Argentina in the 2014 final. For Argentina, however, the focus after the final quickly shifted to Messi’s future. The veteran forward has already achieved the biggest prize in international football and remains the central figure of Argentina’s most successful period in recent years. Whether he continues beyond the 2026 World Cup will ultimately be his decision, according to Scaloni. The post Lionel Messi Retiring From Football? Argentina Coach Scaloni Breaks His Silence appeared first on Khaama Press.