Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia confirmed that Lionel Messi faces no pressure to retire, leaving any decision on international play entirely to the 39-year-old forward as the Albiceleste begin preparing for their 2026 World Cup title defense under manager Lionel Scaloni.
Following a summer that saw Argentina reach the World Cup final before falling to Spain in extra-time on a goal by Ferran Torres, the future of the nation’s talismanic captain remains open. While Messi shed tears after the finale and hinted at a possible departure, Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia emphasized that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner carries absolute autonomy over his international career.
Claudio Tapia Leaves International Future Entirely in Messi’s Hands
Speaking in an interview on Argentine TV, Claudio Tapia addressed speculation surrounding Messi’s timeline leading toward the 2028 Copa America and the 2030 World Cup. Tapia noted that the forward’s physical output this summer matched or exceeded his previous tournament performances.
“It’s a purely personal decision for him. We have to leave him alone. In 2022, we didn’t know if he was going to play in 2026. He said it was one game at a time, and I think we’ve seen a great version, if not the best, of Leo in a World Cup. We have to let him continue enjoying playing football, and then let him make the decision he feels is right.”
Claudio Tapia, Argentina Football Association president
Messi turned 39 on June 24, just days after scoring a brace against Austria during group-stage play. Throughout the tournament, he contributed eight goals and four assists for Argentina, finishing second in overall goals and total goal involvements behind Kylian Mbappe.
Private Meetings and World Cup Title Defense Planning Under Lionel Scaloni
While Messi returns to Major League Soccer with Inter Miami ahead of a Leagues Cup fixture against Monterrey, the national team setup is actively shaping its next chapter. Lionel Scaloni confirmed holding a private coffee meeting with Messi in Argentina during the MLS postseason to discuss squad continuity.
Lionel Scaloni told AFA Estudio that discussions with his captain remain transparent and frequent. The truth is, we've been talking about it. He understands, and we've discussed it a lot. He always tells me that he would like me to be there in any role,
Messi said of the talks in comments to ESPN.
Tapia also stated his intention to secure Lionel Scaloni’s long-term management of the squad, noting that extension talks are advanced. Scaloni has already assembled an expansive preliminary list of approximately 50 players as Argentina prepares for Group J matches, opening their schedule against Algeria on June 26 in Kansas City before facing Austria and Jordan.
Reflecting on Emotional Tournament Closures and Elimination Fallout
The path to the 2026 final carried intense emotional friction, highlighted by a chaotic Round of 16 encounter against Egypt. Egypt manager Hossam Hassan addressed a viral touchline gesture involving an “X” shape directed at referee François Letexier, clarifying that the action was meant to signal perceived unfairness rather than discriminatory abuse, while criticizing the officiating crew’s decisions during Argentina’s 3-2 comeback win.
Hassan also noted that the heated match led to a rare emotional outburst from Messi on the pitch. He ended up crying because he was having a hard time emotionally,
Hassan said, adding that he chose to avoid verbal friction out of respect for the Argentine captain’s career.
Following the final whistle against Spain, Messi shared his mixed feelings with supporters via social media on Instagram.
“The pain is immense, and it will take time for this wound to heal. But I also hold on to all the good. … The matches we turned around, giving our all, matches that will forever remain in our memories, the support of an entire country that, together with the hard work and effort of this group, led us to be, once again, among the best in the world.”
Lionel Messi, Argentina captain
With Copa America scheduled for June and July 2028—at which point Messi would turn 41—the Argentine federation maintains a stance of patience. Whether the forward chooses to extend his international tenure remains entirely dependent on his personal evaluation during upcoming club seasons.
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