Lionel Messi has indicated he will assess his future with the Argentina national football team after the 2026 Copa América. The global football star discussed his plans moving forward in a conversation with journalist Gabriele Marcotti, originally reported by ESPN.
This news comes as the Albiceleste top their World Cup qualifying group with a perfect record of 9 points from three wins. Their recent form shows four victories and one defeat in their last five outings, though the most recent was a 1-0 loss to Spain on July 19.
What did Messi say about retirement?
Messi did not announce a concrete date for his international retirement. Instead, the Argentine captain stated he would make a decision following the upcoming Copa América tournament in 2026. "It's something I will think about after the Copa América," Messi said, according to Marcotti's report. This stance leaves the door open for a possible participation in the full World Cup cycle.
The forward, who will turn 39 during the next World Cup, has been the cornerstone of Argentina's success in recent years. His leadership was key to winning the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Now, the team prepares to defend its continental title with a squad blending experience and youth, details available on our squad page.
What is Argentina's current situation?
The team's current context is one of dominance in South American qualifying. With three matches played, Lionel Scaloni's side has scored 8 goals and conceded just one, giving them a +7 goal difference. This defensive and offensive solidity places them in an ideal position ahead of the World Cup in North America.
However, the setback against Spain in a July friendly served as a reminder of the challenges facing the world champions. That result interrupted a positive run, but the team has shown an ability to respond in competitive matches. Fans can track the team's progress in the qualifying standings table.
What does this mean for the 2026 cycle?
Messi's potential continuity beyond 2026 would have significant implications for the team's planning. Scaloni and his technical staff must balance the generational transition with utilizing the talent and experience of the country's greatest-ever player. His presence in the dressing room and on the pitch is an invaluable asset.
The uncertainty about his future also focuses attention on those who could inherit his legacy within the team. Younger players have gained prominence in recent years, ensuring the national side has multiple creative options in attack. The collective performance can be analyzed through our detailed stats.
Messi has accumulated 180 international caps and is Argentina's all-time top scorer. His next official commitment with the national team will be in October, when Argentina faces Venezuela in South American World Cup 2026 qualifying.
