Argentina chief provides Lionel Messi retirement update

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FT Desk

At the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, many football fans wondered if it would be the last time they would see Lionel Messi in an Argentina shirt.

Heading into the tournament in North America, there were questions over whether the legendary Messi could still perform at the highest level. He quickly put those accusations to bed with a hat-trick in the first game versus Algeria and later in the World Cup he became the highest scorer in the history of the competition, though that record was subsequently taken by Kylian Mbappe.

Overall, the superstar scored eight goals and recorded four assists at the World Cup, as he dragged Argentina to the final, where they lost in extra time against Spain.

Messi was understandably emotional at having lost the match and the chance to claim his second World Cup after the triumph in Qatar in 2022. However, was he also emotional due to his international career being over?

No confirmation about his international future has been announced, but one thing is for certain - it will be entirely up to him whenever he decides to retire.

"It's a decision that belongs to him purely and personally," explained Argentina FA President Claudio Tapia in an interview on local television.

"You have to leave him alone. In 2022, we didn't know if he would play in 2026. He said he took things game after game, and I think we saw an excellent version - if not the best - of Leo during this World Cup.

"We must let him continue to enjoy playing football, and then he will make the decision that seems right to him."

According to recent reports from BeIN Sports, Messi's retirement hasn't come just yet.

Plans are reportedly being considered for Messi to receive a farewell worthy of his contribution to Argentine football, rather than bringing his international career to an abrupt end. The idea is to stage a special match in Argentina, giving supporters the opportunity to pay tribute to the national team captain and one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

The fixture would be announced well ahead of time, allowing thousands of fans to attend and celebrate Messi’s remarkable career in the Argentina shirt. After almost 20 years representing his country, the proposed tribute would be expected to become a landmark occasion in Argentine football and a fitting celebration of his legacy.

In 198 games for Argentina, he's scored 116 goals.

Messi has apparently made himself available to be called up by head coach Lionel Scaloni for any upcoming international fixtures.