'Last tango, thank you teammates'; Lionel Messi's Instagram post before final goes viral

NEW YORK: Will Argentina retain the World Cup title by defeating Spain in the final? Or will the Spanish laughter that erupted at Soccer City in Johannesburg 16 years ago reverberate at MetLife? Whatever it is, Argentina's legendary captain Lionel Messi is expected to end his international football career with the World Cup Finals.

A note shared by Messi himself on Instagram has fueled the retirement rumours. Messi's words, shared on social media with a picture of team members and support staff, have opened the door to discussions.

"What a journey we're having together, @adidasfootball... with 'The Last Tango'... Let's go for the final, let's go Argentina! ! ! 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." Messi wrote on Instagram.

This is going to be Messi’s third World Cup final. The global football icon is defying his age and will probably end up taking home the player of the tournament award at this World Cup. Messi is in dazzling form and was the game-changer who anchored the team to thrilling wins in both group stages and the knockouts to reach the World Cup 2026 finals.