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Argentina's Lionel Messi pauses after receiving his runner-up medal after the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPI
NEW YORK, July 20 (UPI) -- Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he is unsure if Lionel Messi will continue to play for the national team after a World Cup Final loss to Spain.
Messi, who did not speak to the media after the 1-0 defeat Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J., made history as the first player to appear in six World Cups and first to start three tournament finales. The 39-year-old finished with eight goals, the second-most in the tournament.
"Truth be told, I didn't speak to Leo," Scaloni told reporters, when asked if Sunday was Messi's final game for Argentina.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was brought to tears after the match, as was Scaloni. Messi was held to just 54 touches Sunday at New York-New Jersey Stadium, his fewest for a full match at the World Cup.
"He's 39 years old now, unbelievable," Scaloni said of Messi. "There is nothing new to discover from my side. It was crystal clear for me that he is going to play up until he decides to do so.
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Lionel Messi reacts after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
"All of his teammates and all of his people were going to support him. I hope everyone feels proud of him and what he's achieved because he's the best football player to ever step foot on a pitch. I have no doubts about this. What he did in this World Cup was incredible."
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Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts after a play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente told reporters at his post match news conference that his "first idea was to keep Messi at bay" in the tournament finale. That strategy resulted in defenders draping the iconic No. 10 during his rare scoring chances.
He was held to just one of Argentina's two shots. Several Spaniards showed respect for the legend by approaching him after Sunday's match. Messi stared into the stands, eying Argentina fans as he shed tears, and listened to their praise in what may have been his last World Cup match.
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Argentina's Lionel Messi (C) argues with referee Slavko Vincic during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPI
Scaloni also said he needs time to think about his future as Argentina's coach.
Messi, who briefly held the title of top scorer in World Cup history during the tournament, was surpassed by Kylian Mbappe during France's 6-4 win over England in Saturday's third-place match. Mbappe, who scored 10 times at the World Cup, received Golden Boot honors for his efforts.
Messi will turn 43 during the next World Cup, which will be held June 8 to July 31, 2030, across six countries, including Argentina.
"A story that becomes timeless," Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia wrote Sunday on Instagram, alongside a photo of Messi. "There are no words in the dictionary that can be enough to thank you for everything you gave us, captain.
"For your football, for your unwavering leadership on and off the pitch, and for teaching a whole town to dream and to fight with heart in hand until the last second."
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