Watching Lionel Messi play for Argentina at the Copa América will cause many fans to wonder if they’re seeing the legend at his final international tournament.
Even though he’ll turn 37 at the beginning of the tournament, Messi will still be a vital figure for the Albiceleste as they aim to defend the title they won in 2021.
That trophy got a huge monkey off Messi’s back, as the superstar finally won a major senior international tournament after several close calls.
The following year, Messi led Argentina to an even bigger prize. The Albiceleste won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, defeating France on penalties to seal Messi’s legacy as one of, if not the greatest player ever.
That World Cup was supposed to be Messi’s last, which the then-PSG star announced prior to the tournament. After leading his country to glory though, Messi appears to have changed his tune.
In an interview with InfoBae this month, Messi said he has yet to make a decision on the 2026 World Cup.
“It depends on how I feel, how I am physically and knowing whether I’m at the level to be able to compete and help my teammates,” Messi said of the tournament that will take place when he is 39 years old.
“There is still a long time until the tournament, but it goes quickly. I don’t know how I will be in that moment and if I feel I will be at the level to help my teammates.”
In an interview with TV Publica last year, Messi said that his international retirement would “logically” be coming soon.
“Honestly, I don’t know until when. I think it will happen when it has to happen,” said Messi.
“After having achieved everything recently, the only thing left to do is to enjoy. God will say when that moment will come.
“Logically, because of my age, I’m sure it will be soon. But I don’t know exactly when will be the right time. I think about the day-to-day, enjoying everything beautiful.
“We had to go through very hard times in the national team. We were fortunate enough to be World Cup and Copa América champions. It’s time to enjoy.”
At the club level, Messi said earlier this month that his current side Inter Miami would be the last team of his career.
For Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, as long as Messi continues to make himself available, he’ll be a big part of the national team picture
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