RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesLionel Messi's future with Argentina's national team remains unclear. File Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPI
Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Argentina will not push Lionel Messi for a decision on his future, including at 2028 Copa America or the 2030 World Cup, Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia said.
Tapia spoke about the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner during an interview with TyC Sports.
"It's a purely personal decision for him," Tapia said. "We have to leave him alone. In 2022, we didn't know if he was going to play in 2026. He said it was one game at a time, and I think we've seen a great version, if not the best, of Leo in a World Cup.
"We have to let him continue enjoying playing football, and then let him make the decision he feels is right."
Messi, 39, did not speak to reporters after Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup Final. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he was unsure if Messi would return.
Lionel Messi's (pictured) 21 goals at the World Cup are the second-most in history, trailing only Kylian Mbappe's 22. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
Messi, who ranks second in goals in World Cup history, shed tears in front of Argentina fans after the World Cup finale, hinting that it was his last tournament. He previously said the 2022 World Cup was his final one.
At the 2026 World Cup, Messi and longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo became the first two players in history to appear in six editions of the tournament.
Argentina's Lionel Messi scored eight goals at the 2026 World Cup. File Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPI
Messi scored eight goals in helping the Argentines reach a second consecutive World Cup Final.
Copa America will be held in June and July 2028. Messi will turn 41 years old June 24, 2028 and will be 43 during the 2030 World Cup.
Argentina's Lionel Messi is an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. File Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPI
"The pain is immense, and it will take time for this wound to heal," Messi wrote on Instagram after Argentina's loss to Spain.
"But I also hold on to all the good. ... The matches we turned around, giving our all, matches that will forever remain in our memories, the support of an entire country that, together with the hard work and effort of this group, led us to be, once again, among the best in the world."
Argentina's Lionel Messi appeared in a record six World Cups. File Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPI
Tapia also said his plan is for Scaloni to continue as manager and believes Argentina can convince him to remain in the role.
"We all want him to stay," Scaloni said. "The talks were very advanced."
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