Poland captain Robert Lewandowski has hinted at his international retirement following the country’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, marking the potential end for the national team’s all-time leading goalscorer.The 37-year-old cut a dejected figure as the final whistle confirmed Poland’s absence from the world stage following the 3-2 defeat by Sweden in Tuesday’s qualification playoff final.Hours after the loss in Stockholm, Lewandowski posted a photo of himself on social media leaving the pitch, accompanied by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli’s song “Time to Say Goodbye”.The failure to secure a spot in North America leaves the Barcelona striker facing the end of a record-breaking career without the grand finale he had sought after returning to the squad in August following a fallout with former coach Michal Probierz.However, in comments after the match, he played down the significance of his post, indicating that a final decision had not yet been made.“I am not in a position to make any declarations. I will return to my club; I still have some matches to play. I will have to answer the question marks in the back of my head for myself,” he told Polish media.With the next World Cup four years away, the recent exit marks a bitter chapter for the Warsaw-born forward who has anchored the national side since his 2008 debut.Lewandowski has captained the team since 2014 and remains Poland’s record holder for both goals and appearances, with a career tally of 89 goals in 165 international matches.“As my career goes on, I appreciate certain moments more,” Lewandowski had noted earlier in the playoff campaign. “I’m not afraid to end my career because I’m starting to prepare for it… I know it’s a very important part of my life, but it’s not everything.”