Lionel Messi is still undecided regarding his international future, though hope persists across Argentina that their captain will stay with the national squad until the 2028 Copa América.
The ultimate direction of Lionel Messi’s international tenure with Argentina is still up in the air, yet belief is mounting among the nation’s football circles that the iconic skipper will keep donning the Albiceleste shirt through at least the 2028 Copa América.
In the wake of Argentina’s runner-up campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they fell to Spain in the deciding match, Messi has refrained from announcing whether he plans to prolong his international career. Even so, figures close to the squad feel the eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient is inclined to remain onboard.
At 39 years of age, Messi demonstrated once more that he remains capable of elite displays, netting eight goals throughout the competition while steering Argentina to another World Cup final. His displays underlined his crucial role in Lionel Scaloni’s setup and proved that his advanced age has done little to sap his impact.
Messi has routinely maintained that he assesses his long-term prospects year by year depending on his physical health. Although he presently feels fully capable of performing at the peak level, he has avoided setting a definitive date for his international retirement. Furthermore, many in Argentina suspect that the heartache of losing the World Cup final might actually spur him on to chase another major trophy rather than concluding his career with a defeat.
The forthcoming focal point for Argentina will be the 2028 Copa América, a timeline that coincides with the closing stages of Messi’s deal at Inter Miami. Leading up to that event, Argentina will feature in various international friendlies before taking part in a unique qualification campaign for the 2030 World Cup, where they have already gained automated entry as one of the tournament’s opening co-hosts.
Until Messi delivers a formal decision, his national team career will hang in the balance, but Argentina holds out hope that its iconic leader is not prepared to bid farewell just yet.
