Lionel Messi, Argentina and the challenge of moving on from a GOAT

Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday, raising questions about the international future of 39-year-old Lionel Messi, who has given no indication whether he will retire from international football. Messi previously retired briefly after the 2016 Copa America before reversing his decision, but any future retirement is expected to be permanent. The next World Cup could feature games in Argentina, which may influence Messi's decision, but the country must now consider the possibility that Sunday's final was his last international appearance.