After seeing what Lionel Messi was still able to produce at this summer’s World Cup, the president of the Argentine Football Association is in no hurry to see the football legend end his career.
Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia said during an interview on Argentine television that Messi is the only person who should decide when it is time to retire.
“It’s a decision that is purely and personally his,” Tapia said. “You have to let him relax. In 2022, we didn’t know if he’d play in 2026. He said it was game by game, and I think we’ve seen a great version – if not the best – of Leo in a World Cup.
“You have to let him keep enjoying playing football and after that he’ll make the decision he feels is the right one.”
Messi, who celebrated his 39th birthday on June 24, two days after scoring twice against Austria in the World Cup group stage, has not given any clear sign about when he will retire from international football. It is also unclear how much longer he plans to continue playing for Inter Miami in MLS.
As Tapia explained, there was no certainty that Messi would even play at the 2026 World Cup after leading Argentina to victory over France in the 2022 final in Qatar. However, the Argentine captain produced another impressive tournament this summer, scoring eight goals and providing four assists for La Albiceleste.
Argentina eventually suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain after extra time in last month’s World Cup final in the United States.
During the tournament, Messi became the first player to break Miroslav Klose’s previous World Cup scoring record of 16 goals. However, France star Kylian Mbappe finished the competition with 22 career World Cup goals, moving one goal ahead of Messi.
“It was a great World Cup from Leo,” Tapia said. “We enjoyed it a lot, and we’ve got to feel proud. I enjoyed every moment. Without a doubt, he was the standard-bearer of this group in the World Cup.
“If you analyse the World Cup he had, for me he was the best player. He was break records match after match.”
Messi would be 43 years old during the 2030 World Cup, which will mainly take place in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay will also each host one match as part of the tournament’s 100th anniversary celebrations.
According to FIFA, Cameroon’s Roger Milla is currently the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup match. He was 42 years and 39 days old when he played at the tournament.
Another football legend, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, also competed at this summer’s World Cup at the age of 41.
Argentina are expected to return to action during the international window from September 21 to 29. Their opponents have not yet been confirmed, but the team are expected to play two friendly matches.
There has also been speculation that Argentina’s next match at home could become Messi’s final appearance in front of his home supporters.
As the current Copa America champions, Argentina will look to defend the title they won in 2024 when the tournament returns in 2028. However, the host country for the competition has not yet been announced.
