Robert Lewandowski hints at retirement after Arsenal star Viktor Gyokeres wins World Cup battle | OneFootball

The Barcelona striker’s World Cup dream was dashed by Viktor Gyokeres

The Barcelona striker captained Poland in their World Cup play-off final against Sweden on Tuesday night, playing the full 90 minutes at the Strawberry Arena, in Solna.

However, Lewandowski, 37, saw his dream of being one of the oldest players at this summer’s tournament in North America ended in dramatic fashion by an Arsenal striker.

Graham Potter’s side, who qualified for the play-offs by virtue of their performance in the Nations League, have progressed to the finals and will face Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia in Group F.

“Regardless of whether you get a lot of balls or not, you try to be connected and present.

“That was me, especially at the end when we had some half-dangerous chances."

Ultimately, Lewandowski came out on the wrong side of what billed as a battle between him and Gyokeres.

With no World Cup to look forward to, the veteran striker has since taken to social media to hint at retiring from international football after playing a record 165 times for Poland.

Lewandowski posted a picture to Instagram showing himself holding up his captain's armband, with the song "Time to Say Goodbye" playing.

After the 2022 World Cup, Lewandowski opted to stay on despite what seemed to be a goodbye to the fans at the time.

Following the loss to Sweden on Tuesday, Lewandowski cut an emotional figure and was fighting back the tears, presumably realising he will never get the chance to play at a World Cup again.