What happened: Lionel Messi completed his sixth World Cup on Sunday, four years after winning the 2022 tournament. His World Cup career began in 2006.
Why it matters: The possible exit would close a 20-year run on soccer's biggest international stage. Messi moved to second on the all-time World Cup goals list during the 2026 tournament.
By the numbers: Messi appeared at six World Cups: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.
What to watch: Attention turns to whether Messi remains available for his country's next international window.