Lautaro Martinez: Messi is playing his last World Cup

After Argentina's qualification for the World Cup quarterfinals, Lautaro Martinez confirmed that Lionel Messi is playing his last World Cup with the Albiceleste, while the main person involved has not yet announced anything about his future.

Two days after Neymar and the day after Cristiano Ronaldo, another legend nearly said goodbye to the World Cup this Tuesday. Trailing 2-0 to Egypt with less than fifteen minutes to play, Lionel Messi's Argentina finally snatched victory (3-2) and a stunning qualification for the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup.

>> Relive Argentina's crazy victory against Egypt (3-2)

Lautaro Martinez's Revelation

Interviewed in the mixed zone after this hard-fought success, Lautaro Martinez made a revelation about his teammate's future with the national team. Although Lionel Messi had not yet confirmed that he was playing the last World Cup of his career, the Inter Milan striker took it upon himself to do so in front of journalists, in a remark about his importance to the group and his performance against the Pharaohs.

"He is impressive. Impressive, and I told him, already on the field, that he deserved it. He deserves it for the person he is, for what he brings to the team, because it's his last World Cup and because he is our leader. And then, we try to support him and always give our best."

Messi in Tears After Argentina's Qualification

After missing another penalty — the second since the start of the competition — Lionel Messi struggled for a long time to make an impact against the Pharaohs' defensive block. But with a beautiful cross for Cristian Romero and then a fine half-volley, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner revived Argentina.

Providing an assist and then scoring the equalizer for his side, the 39-year-old star once again saved the Albiceleste. Visibly very emotional after the final whistle and qualification for the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup, the former Barcelona and PSG star could not hold back his tears.

Messi Dreams of a Double for His World Cup Farewell

Tears of joy after qualification and perhaps also tears of relief after a major scare and a match never truly controlled by the Argentinians. Four years after the first World Cup title of his career, "La Pulga" came close to elimination this Tuesday.

On the same topic:

• 2016 World Cup: Messi had a close call
• 2026 World Cup: Cape Verde players lined up in the mixed zone for their photo with Messi
• 2026 World Cup: Scaloni reassures about Messi's condition

But a final goal from Enzo Fernandez, on an assist from Lautaro Martinez, kept alive the hope of a fabulous double to cap off his sixth participation — a record.