Messi's Retirement Up to Him, Says AFA Boss
Argentina FA President Urges Patience Over Lionel Messi's Retirement Decision
MESSI RETIREMENT DECISION
Illustration concept: A high-quality action photo of Lionel Messi wearing the Argentina national football kit, looking focused on the field under stadium floodlights.
AI summary
Argentine Football Association President Claudio Tapia stated that Lionel Messi alone will determine when to end his playing career. Tapia emphasized that the legendary forward should be allowed to enjoy his football without pressure regarding his future.
Key takeaways
- Claudio Tapia affirmed that Lionel Messi will personally determine when to retire from football.
- The AFA president urged fans and commentators to let Messi play without added pressure.
- Messi turned 39 on June 24 following a two-goal outing against Austria in World Cup group play.
- No official timeline has been set for Messi's departure from international duty or Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi retains absolute authority over his international future and retirement timeline, according to Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Speaking in an interview on Argentine television, Tapia stressed that any choice regarding the captain's playing future remains entirely with the player himself.
Tapia cautioned against placing pressure on the national icon, urging supporters and media to let Messi play comfortably. Drawing comparisons to the aftermath of Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar, the AFA chief noted that Messi took a game-by-game approach heading into subsequent tournaments, where he continued to deliver exceptional performances on the pitch.
The comments follow Messi's recent displays, including a two-goal performance against Austria during group-stage action at the World Cup, just two days prior to turning 39 on June 24. Despite his advancing age, the legendary forward has offered no definitive hints regarding when he plans to step away from international duty or conclude his club tenure with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.
According to Business Recorder, Tapia remains content to give Messi complete freedom to evaluate his physical condition and motivation before making any final declaration about his career's next chapter.
Frequently asked questions
- What did Claudio Tapia say about Lionel Messi's retirement?
- Claudio Tapia stated that the decision to retire is purely personal for Messi, and he should be allowed to enjoy playing without outside pressure.
- How old is Lionel Messi according to the report?
- Messi celebrated his 39th birthday on June 24, shortly after scoring twice against Austria in World Cup group-stage play.
- Has Lionel Messi announced a retirement date?
- No, Messi has given no indication of when he intends to retire from international football or from his MLS club, Inter Miami.
Source & transparency
- By:
- Imdad Ali
- Source:
- Business Recorder
- Original publication:
- Aug 9, 2026, 8:26 AM
- The Reviser publication:
- Aug 9, 2026, 8:26 AM
- Updated:
- Aug 9, 2026, 8:31 AM
This report was independently written by The Reviser editorial desk from verified source material. It is not original on-the-ground reporting by The Reviser.
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