Argentina FA president Claudio Tapia insisted there is no pressure on Lionel Messi to play at the 2028 Copa America as "it is entirely his own personal decision".
Messi has not spoken about his Argentina future since the end of the World Cup, where La Albiceleste lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time in the final.
The 39-year-old proved he can still perform on the international stage and was one of the top performers in the competition.
Only Kylian Mbappe scored (10) and directly contributed to more goals (14) than Messi at the 2026 World Cup (eight goals, 12 direct goal contributions), while they finished joint-second for most assists (four).
The Argentina captain became just the second-ever player to play in three men's World Cup finals (also 2014 and 2022), after Brazil's Cafu (1994, 1998, 2002).
And at 39 years and 25 days, he also became the second-oldest ever World Cup finalist, after Italy's Dino Zoff in 1982 (40y 133d).
With the next Copa America two years away, there are doubts about whether Messi has played his final match at a major tournament for Argentina, and Tapia insists there will be no pressure on the Inter Miami forward to continue.
"It is entirely his own personal decision," Tapia told TyC Sports when asked if Messi will play at the 2028 Copa América.
"I enjoyed watching him on the pitch; he was the standard-bearer for this World Cup, just as he has been in every competition he's played in.
"He has to feel like it. Back in 2022, we didn't know if he'd be playing in 2026. He said he was taking it 'one match at a time' and we saw him at his very best, if not the very best.
"We should be proud of him. May he continue to enjoy playing football, and may we enjoy watching him, and may he make the decision he feels is right."
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, who has guided the country to one World Cup and two Copa America titles, also remained coy on his future this summer, but Tapia wants him to stay in charge.
"My plan A, my plan B and my plan C is Scaloni," Tapia said. "I want him to carry on; we all want him to carry on.
"I have to respect his decision; let him think it over and make whatever decision he believes is the right one.
"I can't keep him tied down if he feels he doesn't have the necessary drive or doesn't see a path to further success."
Hupeklmrtu
0
A good dancer knows when to leave the stage. As a Messi's fan, I suggest he refuses and quit now. He has to give young players the opportunity to prove their 0wn talents.
67957meyer
0
Seek help quickly. Your mental state is at risk.
The reason Messi haven't retired is simply because of CR7
Davichi
2
That's it. The GOAT will decide what he wants next, because he has earned it. Lionel Messi has nothing left to prove so he would decide what's best for him and his family.
Davichi
1
Messi is not going to retire before ronaldo...he was saying this wc is going to be my last in 2022 but still not retired after wc 2026 🤣🤣
You guys are so good at manufacturing things on social media. Messi never said 2022 will be his last WC. He said he'd see if he would be ready to play in 2026. If you think Ronaldo is a factor in Messi' decisions, you must be a joker. Messi is the undisputed GOAT and has nothing left to prove to anyone.
Davichi
0
The effects of CR7
Seek help quickly. Your mental state is at risk.
Davichi
0
Nobody interested in what a rogue football team does !
Yet you're here. 🤡
67957meyer
0
The effects of CR7
Sammyola261
2
Without Infantino Messi will be seriously found wanting,as will Argentina.
Your comment is funny. So infantino was the president in 2014 also when he won the best player of the tournament? You need to stop hating on successful people so you can be a better and not a bitter person.
Temanost
0
Messi is not going to retire before ronaldo...he was saying this wc is going to be my last in 2022 but still not retired after wc 2026 🤣🤣
and Ronaldo planning to play WC 2030. what a clown, Uzbekistan GOAT 😂
cetdklmory
3
Nobody interested in what a rogue football team does !
TapanAjmeraa
1
Messi is not going to retire before ronaldo...he was saying this wc is going to be my last in 2022 but still not retired after wc 2026 🤣🤣
resabekpst
1
Without Infantino Messi will be seriously found wanting,as will Argentina.
Vuailntuyz
2
Messi will keep shaming himself. The chap is finished
Mezdkmsyz
0
He should go and rest, he is the reason why the referees used biased officiating to spoil the world cup for us.
You’re a fool😂
Mezdkmsyz
3
zero shot on the taget man
Far better than playing 6 World Cup with 0 finals I’m back I’m back 🫣😂😂
Gamer15
0
Let this old fart alone
cupaenopry
2
go retire
tell that to cr7
hudabcdeop
0
Announce Your Retirement 😜😅🤣
hudabcdeop
1
AFA please keept Messi and scaloni both until 2030 world cup
Cheaters Combo 🤣😂😅🫣🤨🧐👁️😎
Nuplopsz
3
Love you Messi
Tazbdemotz
0
He should go and rest, he is the reason why the referees used biased officiating to spoil the world cup for us.
STFU 🤫
misbclnps
4
AFA please keept Messi and scaloni both until 2030 world cup
badabckty
0
Useless nut
Baabekoruy
2
go retire
Nizakmotuy
2
zero shot on the taget man
Zokiklmot
1
He should go and rest, he is the reason why the referees used biased officiating to spoil the world cup for us.
don't speak so much truth barkans will come for u bro
tebdikmps
5
He should go and rest, he is the reason why the referees used biased officiating to spoil the world cup for us.
yuzacklprt
4
The Greatest of all time 🐐🇦🇷
Yellow231
1
This is racism bro
Coolluck26
1
please let him retire
SG/FCB
0
they shouldnt even think about it, this guy has done enough. this wont say no.
biddimoptu
0
lies to tell smh