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Will Lionel Messi retire? Argentina future in doubt ahead of Copa America
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- Will Lionel Messi retire? Argentina future in doubt ahead of Copa America
Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Lionel Messi's international future remains uncertain after the 2026 World Cup, with Argentina refusing to put any pressure on their captain ahead of the 2028 Copa America.
One cannot deny that Messi once again starred for Argentina during the tournament despite the team's extra-time defeat to Spain in the final, where Ferran Torres's goal secured Spain's second World Cup.
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However, the Argentine legend proved he can still perform on soccer's biggest stage at the age of 39.
The Inter Miami forward is expected to continue playing at club level, but whether he extends his international career for another two years remains one of the biggest questions facing Argentina.
Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Claudio Tapia leaves Lionel Messi to make his own Argentina decision
Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia has made it clear that only Messi will decide whether he represents his country again.
Speaking to TyC Sports, Tapia said: "It is purely a personal decision for him. We have to leave him alone."
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He also praised Messi's impact during the World Cup, adding: "It was a great World Cup for Leo, and we enjoyed it immensely. He was the leader of this group during this World Cup, just as he has been in every competition in which he has led this team."
Tapia believes the whole country and the world should simply appreciate what Messi continues to achieve rather than ask him to commit to another major tournament.
His comments stop short of confirming whether Messi will feature at the 2028 Copa America, but they underline the respect Argentina have for their long-time captain.
Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
From struggling in his initial years, Messi has already built one of the greatest international careers in soccer history.
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He lifted the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and was once again among the tournament's standout performers in 2026.
According to the figures from the World Cup, only Kylian Mbappe scored more goals and produced more direct goal contributions than Messi, who finished with eight goals and 12 goal involvements while also recording four assists.
For now, Messi's focus will return to Inter Miami as the MLS season continues. He will now be seen in action against Monterrey, this weekend in the Leagues Cup group stage match.
Argentina, meanwhile, appear content to wait for his decision, knowing the choice over one final international chapter belongs entirely to the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
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