Messi not planning immediate Argentina retirement

Lionel Messi is not planning to retire from Argentina immediately after the 2026 World Cup, according to reports from Argentina, with Copa America 2028 said to be the current target before he brings his international career to a close.

Fresh questions after another World Cup final

Messi once again became the central figure for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, producing an outstanding tournament and leading his country to a second consecutive final. Even at 39, he showed he remains capable of performing at the highest level.

His individual output underlined that level. Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists during the tournament, although the final itself ended in disappointment for both the forward and Argentina, who lost 1-0 after extra time to Spain.

That defeat inevitably led to renewed debate over what comes next. Given Messi's age, there has been understandable uncertainty over how much longer he will continue in international football, especially with the next World Cup in 2030 appearing a difficult target.

Report points to Copa America 2028 plan

Messi did not offer any firm public commitment in the immediate aftermath of the final, neither confirming nor denying whether he would continue with the national team. That left room for speculation over whether he might now step aside and focus only on the closing years of his club career.

But Argentine journalist Fran Casaretto has reported that sources close to Messi believe he has no intention of ending his Argentina career yet. Instead, the expectation is that Messi wants to remain involved through Copa America 2028 and only then say farewell to the national side.

It is, for now, a significant indication rather than a final decision from the player himself. Still, for Argentina supporters concerned that the World Cup final might have been his last appearance on the biggest international stage, it offers a more encouraging picture.

Still delivering at elite level

The wider context matters. Messi's performances at the 2026 World Cup suggested he is still operating at an exceptional standard, despite the natural questions that come with age. His influence on Argentina's run to the final was decisive, and his tournament as a whole was widely seen as elite.

• Messi is 39 years old
• He scored eight goals at the 2026 World Cup
• He registered four assists at the tournament
• Argentina reached the final before losing to Spain after extra time

Those numbers help explain why the idea of continuing until another major tournament remains plausible, even if the long-term picture will depend on how his body responds and how his form holds up over the next two years.

Back with Inter Miami

For the moment, Messi's focus has returned to club football with Inter Miami. He has already resumed action after the World Cup, coming off the bench in a 2-2 league draw with Columbus Crew.

Whether Copa America 2028 ultimately becomes the final chapter of his Argentina story remains to be seen. What is clear from the latest reporting, however, is that Messi is not yet ready to walk away from the national team.