It seems unlikely that we will see Argentine football legend Lionel Messi wearing the Argentina national team uniform again.

Argentine football expert Hernán Castillo exclusively reported the contents of the locker room conversation following the final of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup today (July 21).

Castillo reported, "After losing the final against Spain, Messi delivered a final farewell to his teammates in the locker room," adding, "He informed the squad that it was his final match as a national team player."

This means Messi, who first debuted on the World Cup stage at the 2006 Germany World Cup and has played across a total of 6 World Cups, has announced his retirement to his national team teammates.

Earlier, after the match ended, Messi shed tears on the pitch out of disappointment over the defeat.

Messi expressed his deep affection for the national team, saying, "The most beautiful thing was not the title, but the journey we shared together," and "I will remember every moment of sharing daily life with this team, competing together, overcoming crises, and enjoying the times."

However, some speculations suggest that Messi's national team career may not be over just yet.

The local Argentine media outlet TyC Sports reported, "Messi has never once told those around him that he would leave after this tournament," adding, "There is a possibility that he will announce his retirement after playing matches during the A-match period this coming September."

Messi already declared his retirement once 10 years ago before reversing it.

Back in 2016, immediately after losing to Chile in the Copa América final, Messi officially declared his retirement, stating, "My time with the national team is over. I've done everything I could, and it hurts not to become a champion."

However, due to public sentiment desiring his return and a major overhaul within the Argentine Football Association, Messi changed his mind and retracted his retirement that same year.

Attention is now focused on what Messi, who rewrote records at this World Cup with 8 goals and 5 assists to become the player with the most assists in World Cup history and the most Player of the Match awards in World Cup history, will say in an official setting.

(Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Seo Byeong-wook | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News)