Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, has made it clear that Lionel Messi will decide his own future with the national team, emphasizing that the all-time great should not be rushed into retirement. In an interview with Argentine TV, Tapia expressed his admiration for Messi's recent performances.
"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."
Messi, who turned 39 on June 24 – two days after scoring a brace against Austria in World Cup group-stage play – has given no indication when he might retire from international football or how much longer he intends to play for Inter Miami in the MLS.
As Tapia pointed out, the 2026 tournament was no guarantee after Messi led Argentina to the 2022 title over France in Qatar. However, Messi played some of his best football this summer, compiling eight goals and four assists for La Albiceleste.
Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time in the World Cup final last month in the United States. Messi became the first person to break Miroslav Klose's career scoring record of 16 goals, but French superstar Kylian Mbappe ended the tournament with 22 goals, passing Messi by one.
"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 breaking records match after match."
Messi would turn 43 during the 2030 World Cup to be held in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay also will host one match apiece as part of the centennial celebration. The oldest non-goalkeeper to appear in a World Cup match was Cameroonian forward Roger Milla at 42 years and 39 days old, according to FIFA.
Argentina are set to play their next matches in the international window between September 21-29. No opponent has been announced for the likely two friendlies that will be played. There has been speculation that the next home game for the Argentinians could be Messi's last.
Source: www.aljazeera.com