Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), said no one can pressure Lionel Messi into retiring, and that his farewell from the pitch lies entirely in the hands of the 39-year-old superstar. Speaking on Argentine television, Tapia stressed that this is a purely personal decision for Messi.
“It’s a decision that belongs entirely to him. We have to let him be comfortable. In 2022, we didn’t know whether he would play in the 2026 World Cup. He said he would take it game by game, and I think we saw a wonderful version—maybe the best version of Leo at a World Cup. Let him continue to enjoy football, and then he’ll make the decision he feels is right,” Tapia said.
Messi, who turned 39 on June 24—two days after scoring a brace against Austria in the 2026 World Cup group stage—has shown no signs of retiring from the national team or of ending his contract with Inter Miami in MLS. At the 2026 World Cup held on American soil, Messi shone with eight goals and four assists, playing a key role in helping Argentina reach the final before losing 0-1 to Spain in extra time.
Messi also became the first player to surpass Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals at World Cups. However, Kylian Mbappe ended the tournament with 22 goals, edging Messi by exactly one to set a new record.
“It was a great World Cup for Leo. He was the one leading the team’s play. Analyzing the World Cup he had, for me he was the best player. He kept breaking records with each match,” Tapia praised his former player.
If he continues playing, Messi will be 43 when the 2030 World Cup takes place in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with three commemorative matches in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. According to FIFA, the oldest outfield player at a World Cup was Cameroon forward Roger Milla, who was 42 years and 39 days old. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo also appeared at the 2026 World Cup at age 41.
Argentina’s next fixtures are in the international window from September 21 to 29, with two friendlies planned but opponents not yet announced. There is speculation that Argentina’s next home match could be Messi’s last for the national team.
