Argentina Football Association president Claudio Chiqui Tapia has made it clear that Lionel Messi’s retirement decision belongs entirely to the Argentina captain.
Retirement questions have followed Messi through recent World Cups. However, Tapia says there is no reason to pressure the veteran forward into making a decision while he continues to perform at the highest level.
Speaking to Argentine television, Tapia said Messi should be allowed to enjoy football and decide for himself when the right moment comes to leave the international stage.
It’s a decision that is purely and personally his,Tapia said.
Tapia also recalled the uncertainty surrounding Messi’s international future after Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. At that time, Messi had not confirmed whether he would continue through the 2026 tournament.
He said it was game by game,Tapia said. “I think we;ve seen a great version if not the best of Leo in a World Cup.
Messi continues to deliver for Argentina
Messi turned 39 on June 24 and continued to play a central role for Argentina during the 2026 World Cup.The forward produced eight goals and four assists during the tournament, underlining his continued importance to the national team.
Argentina eventually lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time in the World Cup final in the United States. Despite the defeat, Tapia praised Messi’s individual campaign and described him as the leading figure within the squad.
For me he was the best player,Tapia said, while highlighting Messi’s ability to keep breaking records throughout the tournament.
The performance also added another chapter to Messi’s extraordinary World Cup career. He moved beyond Miroslav Klose’s previous record of 16 World Cup goals, although France forward Kylian Mbappa finished the tournament with 22 goals.
No clear retirement date for Messi
Messi has not publicly indicated when he intends to retire from international football.He has also given no firm indication about how much longer he plans to continue playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
That uncertainty has kept speculation about Lionel Messi retirement plans alive, particularly as Argentina prepares for another international window.
Tapia, however, appears comfortable leaving the decision with the player.You have to let him keep enjoying playing football and after that he’ll make the decision he feels is the right one,the Argentina FA chief said.
Could Messi play at the 2030 World Cup?
The possibility of Messi appearing at the 2030 World Cup remains a major talking point.
The tournament will take place across Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay also hosting individual matches as part of the competition’s centennial celebrations.
Messi would be 43 during the 2030 tournament.
According to FIFA records, Cameroonian striker Roger Milla remains the oldest non-goalkeeper to play in a World Cup match, appearing at 42 years and 39 days old. Cristiano Ronaldo also featured at the 2026 World Cup at the age of 41.
Messi would therefore need to remain at an exceptional level to challenge that longevity record.
Argentina prepare for next international window
Argentina are scheduled to return to international action during the September 21-29 window.
The team is expected to play two friendly matches, although opponents had not yet been announced in the information provided.There has already been speculation that Argentina’s next home fixture could become Messi’s final appearance for the national team.
Argentina will also defend their Copa América title in 2028 after winning the 2024 tournament. The host country for that edition has not yet been announced.
For now, though, Tapia insists the decision remains with Messi.
And if the 2026 World Cup showed anything, it is that Argentina’s captain still has plenty to offer.
