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Argentina chief Claudio Tapia has made it clear that the national team will not put any pressure on Lionel Messi over whether he wants to play in the 2028 Copa America. The Inter Miami superstar remains the central figure for the national side, but there is still strong speculation around his long-term future with La Albiceleste as he moves into the closing phase of his career.

No pressure from the AFA

The Argentine Football Association is ready to give Messi as much time as he needs to decide on his international future after the end of the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina reached the final before losing 1-0 to Spain in extra time through a Ferran Torres goal. After taking his country through another demanding tournament cycle, the 39-year-old forward has still not confirmed if he plans to play in the next Copa America.

Speaking to TyC Sports about the possibility of the experienced playmaker featuring in the 2028 tournament, Tapia stressed that the decision belongs only to the player. “It is entirely his own personal decision,” Tapia said when asked whether Messi will play at the 2028 Copa América.

Reflecting on a World Cup legacy

Messi’s impact remains unmatched, having once again been Argentina’s talisman during their 2026 World Cup campaign, in which he produced an outstanding eight goals and four assists to take the team to the final. Tapia was quick to praise the forward’s lasting quality and the leadership he continues to offer in the dressing room, irrespective of his age.

“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,” Tapia added.

A record-breaking international career

The Inter Miami captain’s achievements with La Albiceleste are nothing short of remarkable, with Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024 already to his name, along with the 2022 World Cup trophy. With a record 207 appearances for Argentina and an incredible 125 goals across a 21-year period, Messi has firmly established himself as the greatest player in the history of the South American nation.

Even with the natural physical decline that comes with nearing 40, Messi’s technical brilliance still makes him the first name on the teamsheet. The 2022 World Cup MVP has adapted his game to suit this stage of his career, but his capacity to deliver match-winning moments remains fully intact.

A national icon's final chapters

While the football world waits for a final answer, Tapia urged Argentines to simply value the time Messi still has left on the pitch. The emphasis, for now, is on the joy he gives to the game rather than on the planning for future tournament squads. The AFA president feels the key point is that Messi remains comfortable and motivated to keep representing the blue and white stripes on the international stage.

“We should be proud of him,” Tapia said about the Inter Miami captain. “May he continue to enjoy playing football, and may we enjoy watching him, and may he make the decision he feels is right.”