When Lionel Messi walked off the field at MetLife Stadium following Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain, the global soccer superstar was understandably emotional. At 39 years old, he likely played in his final match at a World Cup and failed to win a second straight title for his country.
But that might not have been just the end of Messi's World Cup career. If Leandro Paredes is right, Messi also may not suit up for the Argentina national team again.
Paredes — who could be facing a suspension for his role in the post-match scuffle — told reporters in Argentina that the team believed it was Messi's final game with the national team.
He said in Spanish:
"It hurts because, as we said throughout the World Cup, we didn't want the last match to
arrive. I think he had made a decision that it was his last match for the national team. ... I hope not, I hope he can continue playing. It will be his decision. Whatever makes him happy will surely make us happy too."
Messi is currently taking time away from Inter Miami to rest after the World Cup and will also miss the MLS All-Star Game. So, he hasn't spoken recently about his future with the national team.
Messi would be 43 years old at the 2030 World Cup, so it wouldn't be realistic to expect him to play in that tournament. But it would be surprising for Messi to leave the national team without playing a final match on home soil at some point in the cycle.
We'll have to see what he decides.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Lionel Messi's Argentina future may have been revealed by his World Cup teammate
