Will Lionel Messi retire from Argentina duty? Even one of the most important figures in Argentine soccer says he isn't sure.
Argentina Football Association president Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia said the 39-year-old's international future is entirely up to him, even if he hopes Messi will play on after a superb 2026 World Cup.
"It's a decision that is purely and personally his. 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," Tapia told TyC Sports. "You have to let him keep enjoying playing football and after that he'll make the decision he feels is the right one."
Argentina fell to Spain 1-0 in extra time of the World
Cup final, but Messi exceeded most expectations placed on him at the tournament - even at his age.
Messi scored eight goals and had four assists, pushing the Albiceleste to the final in a dramatic knockout stage in which they played three extra-time matches and came from behind to win the two games that didn't go to extra time.
"It was a great World Cup from Leo. 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 int he World Cup," tapia said. "If you analyze the World Cup he had, for me he was the best player. He was break records match after match."
Messi found himself locked in a battle with France star Kylian Mbappe for top all-time World Cup goal scorer. While Mbappe ended on top, with 22 goals to Messi's 21 and 10 goals in the 2026 tournament to Messi's eight, Messi made a case for being one of the best-ever players at a World Cup.
Argentina is yet to announce matches for the fall but likely will play three or four friendly matches in the September-October international window, with reports in Argentina indicating the national team may start with a game at the Monumental in Buenos Aires before embarking upon an Asian tour.
The team's next major tournament will be the 2028 Copa América, the South American championship. The 2030 World Cup will kick off on South American soil before moving to Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Messi will turn 43 that summer.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Messi retire from Argentina? FA president says it's up to Inter Miami star
