Lionel Messi hints at retirement with 'Last Tango' post ahead of World Cup Final
· Yahoo Sports
Lionel Messi has seemingly referred to Sunday's FIFA World Cup final as 'The Last Tango' in a cryptic social media post. Messi, who turned 39 last month, and his Argentina teammates will face Spain in what may represent the closing act of his legendary career.
Although he recently penned a new deal with Inter Miami that ties him to the club until 2028, the notion of retiring after securing another World Cup trophy with Argentina has been suggested. Messi has now intensified speculation regarding his possible retirement, either from international soccer or completely, with a post on Instagram.
Visit somethingsdifferent.biz for more information.
On Saturday, the forward posted a photograph of himself wrapped in the Argentine flag. Messi added: "What a journey we're having together, @adidasfootball... with 'The Last Tango'... Let's go for the final, let's go Argentina! ! !" via The Mirror.
- Donald Trump sparks outrage with Harry Kane World Cup comments
- Kylian Mbappe drops World Cup truth bomb after absurd third-place loss to England
'The Last Tango' is notably the name for his signature pair of boots manufactured by Adidas. Later on Saturday, Messi posted a group photograph of Argentina's players and staff at their team hotel and accompanied it with an emotional caption.
"The best part of all these years wasn't just the titles, but the whole journey," the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner wrote. "Sharing every day with this group, competing together, getting back up in tough times, and enjoying every step.
"Thank you to each of my teammates, the coaching staff, and everyone who works every day to keep this national team a family. Whatever happens tomorrow, this group has already written a story we'll never forget and that no one can erase. GO ARGENTINA."
Prior to the tournament, Messi was noncommittal about whether he would even participate given his age. It's reasonable to assume, therefore, that he will have already hung up his boots by the time the next World Cup arrives in 2030, with Argentina co-hosting the tournament for one match.
To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE
Even at 43, however, he would likely still possess the brilliance to dazzle supporters and dismantle opponents. His second-half performance against England in the semifinals was quintessential Messi, setting up both goals as Argentina overturned a deficit to advance to New Jersey.
It will be Messi's third World Cup Final, having featured in the 2014 and 2022 editions. Argentina are aiming to become the first nation to claim back-to-back World Cup titles, matching what rivals Brazil achieved in 1958 and 1962.