AFA President: Messi Will Choose His Retirement Timeline

WHO:

Hindustan Times - Claudio Tapia is the president of the Argentina Football Association (AFA).

Field Level Media - Lionel Messi is a player for Inter Miami and the Argentine national team.

WHAT:

Field Level Media - Claudio Tapia stated, "You have to let him relax. In 2022, we didn’t know if he’d play in 2026. He said it was game by game, and I think we’ve seen a great version — if not the best — of Leo in a World Cup."

Field Level Media - Messi scored a brace against Austria in World Cup group-stage play.

Field Level Media - Tapia emphasized that Messi's decision on retirement is "purely and personally his."

Field Level Media - Claudio Tapia stated, "It was a great World Cup from Leo. We enjoyed it a lot, and we’ve got to feel proud. I enjoyed every moment. Without a doubt, he was the standard-bearer of this group in the World Cup."

Field Level Media - Messi became the first person to break Miroslav Klose’s career scoring record of 16 goals during the World Cup.

Field Level Media - Kylian Mbappe ended the tournament with 22 goals, surpassing Messi by one goal.

Yahoo Sports - The AFA will not pressure Messi regarding his participation in the 2028 Copa America.

Field Level Media - Tapia stated that Messi will decide when to retire from international football.

Field Level Media - Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists during the recent World Cup.

WHERE:

Field Level Media - Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final held in the United States.

WHEN:

Field Level Media - Messi would turn 43 years old during the 2030 World Cup.

Field Level Media - Messi turned 39 years old on June 24.

Field Level Media - The 2030 World Cup will be held in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay hosting one match each.

WHY:

Field Level Media - Tapia highlighted the importance of allowing Messi to enjoy playing football and make his own decisions regarding retirement.

Field Level Media - Tapia emphasized the need to let Messi enjoy playing football and make his own decisions regarding retirement.

HOW:

Field Level Media - The oldest non-goalkeeper to appear in a World Cup match was Cameroonian forward Roger Milla at 42 years and 39 days old, according to FIFA.

Field Level Media - Tapia mentioned that Messi's decision on retirement is "purely and personally his."

Claudio Tapia emphasized the importance of allowing Lionel Messi to relax and enjoy the game, noting that Messi's decision on retirement is entirely personal. He reflected on how, in 2022, there were uncertainties about Messi's participation in the 2026 World Cup, but now we are witnessing what could be the best version of him in this tournament. Tapia also mentioned that Messi recently scored a brace against Austria during the World Cup group-stage play.