What everyone feared could be about to be confirmed. Leandro Paredes has hinted that the World Cup final match against Spain in New Jersey was, indeed, Leo Messi's last with the Argentine national team. A bittersweet farewell, almost tragic, because the '10' had barely any presence in the most important match, overshadowed on a day when Argentina needed his magic as never before.

Paredes' chilling words

According to mundodeportivo.com, the Boca Juniors midfielder was unwilling to confirm outright what many suspected, but his words left little room for hope. "I think he had made a decision, that it was also his last match for the national team," Paredes said after the match, although he added: "I hope not, I hope he can keep playing. It will be his decision; whatever makes him happy, it will surely make us happy too."

The 32-year-old player's remarks summed up the collective feeling in the Argentine dressing room: resignation that something has ended, but with the hope that it has not. Nobody wanted this moment to arrive, but everyone saw it coming.

A World Cup for the movies, a final nightmare

At 39 years old, Messi delivered a memorable World Cup campaign: eight goals and constant leadership that took Argentina to the final. His ability to carry the team throughout the competition was almost supernatural, considering he plays in the American MLS, a league considerably less demanding than the major European ones.

However, New Jersey was the final act of a tragedy. Spain proved superior in every aspect and won the title 1-0. Messi, the beacon that had lit Argentina's path, barely made an impact in the match. Only in the final minutes, when the scoreline was already against them, did he try to create something. By then, it was too late.

A legacy that transcends any final

If this really was his farewell, it deserves perspective. Messi has given Argentina two Copa América titles, one World Cup and one Finalissima, all under Lionel Scaloni's tenure. His contribution to the national team goes far beyond goals and assists: he was the symbol of a generation that finally broke the curse of 28 years without major titles.

Recognition from his teammates is unanimous. Paredes himself was honest about what the Rosario star represents: "It hurts because I think we said it throughout the World Cup too, that we didn't want his last match to arrive."

What now?

Messi's future with the national team remains officially unclear. Neither he nor the AFA have made definitive public statements. What is clear is that his teammates, starting with Paredes, leave the door open for him to continue. The midfielder even doubted his own future after the defeat: "I don't know if I'm fit to continue. It's a process that needs to be digested and thought about."

Argentina waits. The fans wait. And probably Leo also needs time to digest what happened in New Jersey. Because if that really was a farewell, it would need a less bitter epilogue.