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Jay Bothroyd believes Lionel Messi has almost certainly played his final FIFA World Cup match after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 final.
Spain ended Argentina’s title defense at MetLife Stadium on July 19. Ferran Torres struck in the 106th minute after Enzo Fernández’s red card left Argentina with 10 men.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Bothroyd gave his verdict on Messi’s World Cup future. He said: “I mean, in terms of playing in another World Cup, he’ll be 43. So, I don’t think I’ll see him playing in another World Cup.”
MORE: Lamine Yamal’s brother Keyne steals show with viral World Cup celebration
However, Bothroyd stopped short of predicting an international retirement. He added, “I don’t think he’s going to give up international football though, I still think he’ll play on.”
Messi completed all 120 minutes but failed to register a shot on target. Argentina also finished the entire final without a single effort on target. Spain dominated possession with 68 percent and controlled the match through relentless pressing. Luis de la Fuente’s side conceded only one goal throughout the tournament and extended their unbeaten run to 38 matches.
Speaking about Messi’s career, Bothroyd said, “I think we’ve been blessed for all these years of seeing Lionel Messi play football for his club, for his country.”
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) is trapped by Spain midfielder Rodri (16) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19, 2026, in East Rutherford, NJ.
Bothroyd explained that Spain’s tactical display prevented Argentina from bringing Messi into dangerous areas. He said, “Because Spain pressed Argentina so well, they just weren’t able to get him the ball. He was in those areas where he normally was, but they just couldn’t find him.”
The former England international also noticed an unusual tactical shift. He said, “It was the first time that I saw them trying to dink balls into Lionel Messi.”
Bothroyd praised Spain’s defenders for limiting Messi’s influence. He added, “When you’ve got Cubarsí there, who’s a fantastic defender, Laporte played really well; they’re getting tight to him. It’s hard for him to have the kind of impact that he’s had throughout the tournament.”
Despite the quiet final, Messi enjoyed another remarkable tournament. The 39-year-old scored eight goals and supplied four assists across eight matches. He also created 25 chances, ranking first.
MORE: Lionel Messi broke down in tears after World Cup standing ovation
The Sky Sports host highlighted Messi’s tournament numbers before asking whether another World Cup remained realistic. Bothroyd replied, “He might be there as manager or player-manager.”
He finished with glowing praise. “Messi’s a fantastic player. He has God-given talent. He’s the purest footballer I’ve ever seen. He makes things look so easy. It’s effortless for him.” His comments reflected the view that Spain’s structure, rather than Messi’s quality, decided the final.
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Spain ended Argentina’s title defense at MetLife Stadium on July 19. Ferran Torres struck in the 106th minute after Enzo Fernández’s red card left Argentina with 10 men.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Bothroyd gave his verdict on Messi’s World Cup future. He said: “I mean, in terms of playing in another World Cup, he’ll be 43. So, I don’t think I’ll see him playing in another World Cup.”
MORE: Lamine Yamal’s brother Keyne steals show with viral World Cup celebration
However, Bothroyd stopped short of predicting an international retirement. He added, “I don’t think he’s going to give up international football though, I still think he’ll play on.”
Messi completed all 120 minutes but failed to register a shot on target. Argentina also finished the entire final without a single effort on target. Spain dominated possession with 68 percent and controlled the match through relentless pressing. Luis de la Fuente’s side conceded only one goal throughout the tournament and extended their unbeaten run to 38 matches.
Speaking about Messi’s career, Bothroyd said, “I think we’ve been blessed for all these years of seeing Lionel Messi play football for his club, for his country.”
Spain’s pressure left Lionel Messi isolated
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Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) is trapped by Spain midfielder Rodri (16) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19, 2026, in East Rutherford, NJ.
Bothroyd explained that Spain’s tactical display prevented Argentina from bringing Messi into dangerous areas. He said, “Because Spain pressed Argentina so well, they just weren’t able to get him the ball. He was in those areas where he normally was, but they just couldn’t find him.”
The former England international also noticed an unusual tactical shift. He said, “It was the first time that I saw them trying to dink balls into Lionel Messi.”
Bothroyd praised Spain’s defenders for limiting Messi’s influence. He added, “When you’ve got Cubarsí there, who’s a fantastic defender, Laporte played really well; they’re getting tight to him. It’s hard for him to have the kind of impact that he’s had throughout the tournament.”
Despite the quiet final, Messi enjoyed another remarkable tournament. The 39-year-old scored eight goals and supplied four assists across eight matches. He also created 25 chances, ranking first.
MORE: Lionel Messi broke down in tears after World Cup standing ovation
The Sky Sports host highlighted Messi’s tournament numbers before asking whether another World Cup remained realistic. Bothroyd replied, “He might be there as manager or player-manager.”
He finished with glowing praise. “Messi’s a fantastic player. He has God-given talent. He’s the purest footballer I’ve ever seen. He makes things look so easy. It’s effortless for him.” His comments reflected the view that Spain’s structure, rather than Messi’s quality, decided the final.
Continue reading...
