Argentina will not pressure Lionel Messi over 2028 Copa America decision

Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia says Lionel Messi will have complete control over whether he plays at the 2028 Copa America, with no pressure from the national team to continue his international career.

Messi, 39, has not yet confirmed his plans for the future despite producing a remarkable World Cup campaign in 2026. He scored eight goals and provided four assists as Argentina reached the final, where their hopes of retaining the trophy ended with a painful 1-0 extra-time defeat by Spain.

Speaking to Argentine broadcaster TyC Sports, Tapia said the decision about Messi’s participation in the next Copa America belonged solely to the captain.

“This is entirely his personal decision. He was a symbol of this tournament, just as he has been in every tournament he has played in,” said Tapia.

Messi’s international future has remained uncertain since the conclusion of the World Cup, although his performances in 2026 suggested he was still capable of leading Argentina at the highest level.

Tapia recalled that there had also been doubts about whether Messi would play at the 2026 World Cup when Argentina won the 2022 tournament.

“In 2022, we didn’t know whether he would play in 2026. He said he was focusing on each match as it came, and we saw him at his best, if not the best he has ever been,” Tapia said.

“We should be proud of him. I hope he continues to enjoy football, that we can continue to enjoy watching him, and that he makes the decision he believes is right.”

While Argentina are prepared to leave the choice to Messi, Tapia also revealed that the association is concerned about the future of head coach Lionel Scaloni.

Scaloni’s contract expires at the end of this year, and he said after the final defeat by Spain that he would reconsider whether to remain in the role. Tapia made clear that retaining the 48-year-old is his priority, but accepted that the final decision would rest with the manager.

“My first, second and third plan is Scaloni. I want him to continue, we all want him to continue. I have to respect his decision, and give him time to think carefully and make the decision he believes is right,” Tapia said.

“I cannot force him to stay if he feels he no longer has the motivation he needs or does not see a path to achieving more success.”

Scaloni became Argentina’s most successful manager after turning a temporary appointment in 2018 into a golden era for the national team. Under his leadership, Argentina won three successive major international trophies: the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America.

Tapia also used his interview to praise the current Argentina side, describing it in the strongest possible terms.

“This is the best national team in history. It has brought joy to the entire Argentine people and succeeded in making people feel they belong to one group,” he said.