Lautaro Martinez, the Argentina national team striker, has said that the 2026 World Cup will be his teammate Lionel Messi's final appearance at a FIFA World Cup, even though the Tango's captain has not announced any decision regarding his future.
Martinez made the surprise revelation to journalists following Argentina's thrilling 3-2 victory over Egypt in the round of 16 on Tuesday evening, with the Inter Milan star getting ahead of his teammate's own announcement while speaking about his country's performance against Egypt and the veteran star's contribution.
Lautaro said, in remarks highlighted by Radio Monte Carlo: "Messi is amazing. I told him on the pitch that he deserves his great status, for everything he adds to the team."
He added: "We try to support and back him by giving maximum effort, because he is our captain, and because this is his last World Cup."
The French network noted that Messi struggled greatly against Egypt's strong defence after missing his second penalty of the 2026 World Cup, but the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner put Argentina back on track by setting up a goal for Cristian Romero and personally adding the equaliser with a powerful strike.
It added that Messi, 39, saved Argentina with that goal and that decisive pass, and that he appeared deeply moved after the match, breaking down in tears amid the joy of qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Argentina sealed the victory with a third goal scored by Enzo Fernandez following a precise cross from Martinez, keeping Messi's hopes alive of winning a second title during his sixth World Cup appearance.