Messi hints at retirement on eve of World Cup final

Lionel Messi has dropped the strongest hint yet that his World Cup final against Spain tonight could be his last ever match as a professional footballer. The 39-year-old Argentina captain posted a photo of his boots on Instagram with the words 'El Ultimo Tango' on the sole, an idiom meaning 'the last dance' — often associated with a final performance before retirement.

Messi leads Argentina against Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (8pm UK kick-off) as his side aim to become the first nation to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962. He has been in outstanding form, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in the tournament, contributing in every match. He also holds the record for most goals in World Cup history (now 23) but has been overtaken by France's Kylian Mbappe on 22.

Already a World Cup winner in 2022, a second title would cement his status as one of the greatest ever, but the cryptic Instagram caption — 'What a journey we’re having together' — alongside the boot inscription has fueled speculation this could be his final game before hanging up his boots.

What Messi's career looks like

Messi has amassed a staggering 919 career goals and 44 senior trophies (40 at club level with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, plus four with Argentina). He has scored 125 goals in 206 appearances for his country. Adidas, his boot supplier, had already stated before the tournament that the 2026 World Cup would be his last, but Messi himself has never confirmed a retirement date.

• Messi, 39, has 919 goals overall, 125 for Argentina.
• He has won the World Cup (2022), Copa America, and 40 club trophies.
• His boots display 'El Ultimo Tango' — a strong retirement symbol.
• Adidas previously said 2026 would be his final World Cup.
• Argentina face Spain in the final at MetLife Stadium.

Comparisons with Ronaldo and what's next

TalkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino argued that even if Messi loses, it would be the right time to retire, contrasting him with Cristiano Ronaldo, who continued into his 40s with a disappointing World Cup for Portugal. 'Messi knows when to go,' Cascarino said. 'He won’t do a Ronaldo and let his legacy fade.'

Whether tonight is truly Messi's final act remains to be seen. The result against Spain and his own post-match statements will provide clearer answers. For now, the football world watches one of its greatest ever players potentially take his final bow.