Football,
‘It’s Entirely His Decision’: Argentina Won’t Push Lionel Messi to Play Copa America 2028 as Future Remains Unclear
Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia says the national team will fully respect Lionel Messi’s choice, while also hoping head coach Lionel Scaloni continues beyond 2026.
Buenos Aires: The Argentina national football team has made its stance clear on Lionel Messi’s international future. Despite widespread speculation over whether the legendary forward will feature in the Copa America 2028, the Argentina Football Association (AFA) says the decision will rest entirely with the captain himself.
Speaking after Argentina’s campaign at the FIFA World Cup 2026, AFA president Claudio Tapia stressed that neither the federation nor the coaching staff would place any pressure on Messi to continue representing the national side.“It is entirely his own personal decision,” Tapia said, adding that the football icon has earned the right to decide when he wants to step away from international football.
Messi Yet to Confirm International Future
Although Lionel Messi has not officially announced his plans, his performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup proved he remains one of football’s biggest stars. The Argentine captain scored eight goals and registered four assists, playing a key role in guiding his team to the World Cup final.
Tapia pointed out that similar uncertainty surrounded Messi before the 2026 tournament, reminding fans that his future should not be rushed.
“We didn’t even know if he would play in the 2026 World Cup after 2022. He has always taken things one match at a time,” Tapia explained.
A Legendary International Career
Few players have enjoyed a career as decorated as Lionel Messi. Since making his senior debut more than two decades ago, he has become Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and one of the country’s greatest footballers.
His international achievements include:
- 207 appearances for Argentina
- 125 international goals
- 2021 Copa America champion
- 2022 FIFA World Cup winner
- 2024 Copa America champion
Messi also won the Golden Ball at the 2022 World Cup after inspiring Argentina to its historic triumph in Qatar.
Tapia said Argentine football fans should simply cherish every opportunity to watch Messi play.“We should be proud of him. May Messi continue to enjoy football, and may we continue enjoying watching him. Whatever decision he makes should be respected.”
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Scaloni’s Future Also Under Discussion
Alongside the uncertainty surrounding Messi, questions also remain over the future of head coach Lionel Scaloni, whose contract expires later this year.
Scaloni revealed after Argentina’s narrow defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final that he would take time before deciding whether to continue as national team coach.
Despite that uncertainty, Tapia made it clear that keeping Scaloni remains the federation’s highest priority.
“My Plan A, Plan B and Plan C is Scaloni,” Tapia said. “We all want him to stay, but we also have to respect whatever decision he believes is best.”
One of Argentina’s Greatest Coaches
Since taking charge in 2018, Lionel Scaloni has transformed Argentina into one of world football’s dominant teams.
Under his leadership, Argentina won three major international trophies in succession:
- Copa America 2021
- FIFA World Cup 2022
- Copa America 2024
His achievements have made him the most successful manager in Argentina’s football history, and the federation is hopeful he will continue leading the team into the next chapter.
For now, however, Argentina’s immediate focus remains on allowing both Lionel Messi and Lionel Scaloni the time and freedom to decide their futures without pressure.
