Argentina Football Association president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia has confirmed that Lionel Messi will not face any pressure from the federation over whether he continues playing for the national team beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking to TyC Sports, Tapia made clear that the choice about Messi’s involvement in the 2028 Copa América rests solely with the Inter Miami captain.
No Deadline From the Federation
Argentina reached back-to-back World Cup finals this year but fell to Spain after extra time, reigniting questions about whether the 39-year-old had played his last major tournament. Tapia said the federation and coaching staff would not try to sway Messi’s thinking, calling it a decision that belongs entirely to the player himself. He added that the AFA plans to give Messi all the time he needs before any announcement is made regarding the next Copa América.
A Career Still Producing Milestones
Despite the final defeat, Messi’s tournament form was outstanding — eight goals and four assists earned him the Silver Ball. Tapia praised his leadership, noting he set the standard throughout the competition, much as he has in every tournament he’s featured in.
Messi has since returned to Inter Miami duty, scoring twice in a 4-2 win over Atlético San Luis in the Leagues Cup opener, a performance that pushed him past Denis Bouanga as the competition’s all-time top scorer.
With 207 caps and 125 international goals, Messi remains Argentina’s most-capped player and the second-highest scorer in men’s international football history. Whether his World Cup final appearance in 2026 marks the end of his international career now rests entirely with him — and Tapia insists the AFA will respect whatever he decides.