Lionel Messi was a step away from creating history; however, an earth-shaking goal by Spanish substitute Ferran Torres in the 106th minute ended arguably the greatest of all time’s bid for football immortality. 

But does it mean he will not play in the 2030 World Cup, set to take place in yet again three different countries?

The jury is still out.

The Argentine winger, however, has so far remained mum over the issue.

The football icon in the previous World Cup in Qatar hinted at calling it a day after winning the gong.

“I am very happy to finish my journey in the World Cups in a final, to play the last game in a final. That is really very gratifying,” he said before the match.

“There are a lot of years from this year to the next one. I don’t think I will be able to do that. To finish this way is brilliant.”

But if asked, Messi’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, told BBC Sport, “He is history, a legend. I feel proud, he is the best footballer the world has ever seen and reaching a final at 39 is something unbelievable – and that is why I said we must enjoy him.”

He did not stop the praise there; he added, “With Diego Maradona, we still miss him but Messi is still with us so we must enjoy him.”

Despite the praise and being the manager of the Inter Milan star, Scalni admitted he has no idea about the Argentine striker’s last dance.

“I have no idea if this is Leo’s last game, you will have to ask him. We haven’t discussed it.”

Added to the uncertainty was a blunt take by Guillem Balagué, a Spanish football expert.

In his view, Messi is not ready to walk away.

“Even if you hear it is the end, I doubt it but we’ll see. I just see him with the national side, simply because he enjoys it,” he remarked.

“I don’t see him being at Inter Miami in the MLS, still performing and then saying that’s it and he’s going to play out the rest of his career with Inter Miami.”

Irrespective of divergent views, if Messi does play in 2030, he would become the oldest outfield player to play at a World Cup.