Messi considers last World Cup final his final Argentina match, Paredes says

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes said Lionel Messi views the 2026 World Cup final as his last game for the national team. Messi has not made a personal announcement since Argentina lost the final to Spain, and Paredes believes the 38-year-old has already made his decision. Argentina lost the final to Spain four days before Boca Juniors' 1-0 win over O'Higgins, with Paredes speaking to DSports after that club match. The World Cup final loss ended Argentina's title defense in the tournament. Paredes said he and his teammates had discussed Messi's future during their time together in the national team and that they did not want the final to be his last match. He added that the squad respects Messi's decision and believes whatever choice makes him happy will also satisfy the team. No further statement from Messi has been reported.