It could be an end of an era for Argentinian soccer. 

After France eliminated Argentina in the Round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, fans in the soccer scene all over the world are speculating that Lionel Messi’s time on the international stage representing the country of Argentina is over.

It’s a massive disappointment in what was likely be the 31-year-old’s last ever World Cup. The team was eliminated by the Germans back in 2014. By the time Qatar 2022 rolls around, the Barcelona forward will be 35 years young. 

Back in March, Messi hinted to La Cornisa that he’s leaning towards retiring from international play. 

‘We feel that, if we won’t win the World Cup in Russia, the only way will be to give up the national team,’ Messi told La Cornisa in March. ‘I dream of winning the trophy in Russia. My wish is to live something similar to Brazil 2014. ‘You can do everything OK and fail, like Argentina in Brazil.

Argentina last won the World Cup in 1986. If he does in fact retire, he will leave the world stage, he will leave empty-handed without a championship. 

Back in 2016, Messi announced that he was retiring from international football, but changed his decision ahead of this year’s tournament. Here’s some of the best reaction on what could have been Messi’s final game for his home country.