The 2026 World Cup may have ended in disappointment for Argentina, with a 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the final, but Lionel Messi once again proved why he’s one of the greatest players of all time. Despite being held scoreless in the final, Messi’s performances throughout the tournament were nothing short of exceptional, and his leadership on the pitch was instrumental in driving Argentina to the final. However, with the 2028 Copa America looming, Messi’s future with the national team is still uncertain, and it’s unclear whether he’ll continue to play a role in the team’s plans.
According to Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia, the decision ultimately rests with Messi, who will turn 41 during the 2028 Copa America. Tapia stated, ‘It’s his decision,’ leaving no pressure on the star forward to make a hasty choice. Meanwhile, Inter Miami Chief Business Officer Xavier Asensi revealed that the club has plans to keep Messi connected once he retires, although it’s unclear what role he’ll play. Asensi’s comments suggest that Messi’s future beyond his playing career is already being considered, but for now, the focus remains on his playing career and what the future holds for him with Argentina.
The uncertainty surrounding Messi’s future is compounded by the fact that coach Lionel Scaloni’s own future is also in doubt. Scaloni broke down in tears during a press conference after the World Cup final, leaving open the possibility that his historic run in charge of the Albiceleste could be nearing its end. With Scaloni and Messi’s futures intertwined, Argentina faces a potentially pivotal transition period, one that could see the team rebuild two of its most important roles at once. It’s a scenario that several reporters have suggested could have significant implications for the team’s success in the coming years.
As Argentina looks to the future, the team will need to rely on other players to step up and fill the void left by Messi’s potential retirement. Enzo Fernandez, who has already shown his quality on the international stage, will be expected to take on more responsibility, while other players will need to rise to the challenge and help drive the team forward. With the 2028 Copa America on the horizon, Argentina’s preparations will be closely watched, and the team’s fans will be eager to see how they adapt to the potential loss of their star player.
The 2026 World Cup may have ended in disappointment for Argentina, but it also marked a significant milestone in the careers of several players. Kylian Mbappé, for example, won the Golden Boot award after finishing the tournament with 10 goals, two more than Messi. As the football world looks to the future, one thing is certain: the next chapter in Argentina’s history will be closely watched, and the team’s fans will be eager to see how they navigate the challenges ahead. With Messi’s future still uncertain, the coming months will be crucial in determining the direction of the team and the role that their star player will play in it
