India, Jan. 8 -- Lionel Messi is nearing retirement, and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be his last tournament for Argentina, who are defending champions. The Argentine captain is currently 38 years old and hasn't yet confirmed his participation in the event.

Messi had a sensational 2025 season with Inter Miami, ending the campaign with the MLS Golden Boot as top scorer (29 goals and 19 assists in 28 games). He also signed a new three-year contract extension, which will see him remain at the club till 2028.

He will be 41 by then. He also led Miami to the MLS Cup 2025 title, winning the team's first league championship. He assisted twice during the final and was named MLS Cup MVP. He was also named MLS MVP, becoming the ...