Messi to decide Argentina retirement timing, AFA says

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) will not set any timeline for Lionel Messi to step away from international football, leaving the decision entirely to the player, AFA President Claudio Tapia said on August 8, 2026.

Tapia’s comments came in the aftermath of the 2026 World Cup, where the 39-year-old forward led Argentina to the final. He said Messi alone has the authority to determine when his international career ends, amid public discussion about what comes next.

AFA says it will not impose a retirement calendar Tapia described the federation’s approach as non-interventionist, stressing that Messi maintains full control over the decision. He said the AFA will not announce or work toward a public timetable for the player’s international retirement.

In his remarks, Tapia framed the stance as giving Messi space to concentrate on playing and enjoying football, rather than being pushed toward a fixed endpoint. The AFA’s message, he said, is that any decision on this issue will originate with the player.

World Cup output and club situation keep the debate active Messi, who turned 39 in June, remains an active player with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Tapia said Messi has not indicated a specific date for ending his playing career, and he pointed to the player’s focus on continuing to enjoy his time on the pitch.

On the international stage, Messi’s role at the 2026 World Cup was central to Argentina’s run to the final. He scored eight goals and delivered four assists during the tournament, underlining his continued influence for team despite his age.

Argentina ultimately finished as runner-up, losing 1-0 to Spain in the final. The combination of that near-title finish and Messi’s production has kept attention on how long he may remain available for side.

2030 questions remain, with September fixtures not yet set Uncertainty also surrounds how Messi might fit into Argentina’s planning for the 2030 World Cup, when he would be 43 years old. Tapia did not provide any commitment on that point, reiterating that the player’s current priority is his active career rather than setting a retirement date.

Argentina is scheduled to return to international action between September 21 and 29. Officials have not yet announced the opponents or the official roster for those fixtures, leaving Messi’s inclusion unresolved.

Tapia’s public stance clarifies the federation’s intent to avoid pressure or a predetermined plan. With no retirement date from Messi and no confirmed selections for September, the timing of any decision remains open-ended.