AFA chief says Messi alone decides his retirement timing
AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia stated that Lionel Messi will choose when to end his playing career.
Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, the head of the Argentine Football Association, told Argentine TV that Lionel Messi alone will determine when to hang up his boots. Tapia highlighted Messi’s outstanding display at the latest World Cup, where the Argentine star amassed eight goals and four assists and broke Miroslav Klose’s scoring record. He urged that Messi be allowed to play at his own pace, describing the tournament as possibly the best of his career.
While Messi turned 39 during the competition, he has not signaled any retirement timeline for international duty or his MLS club, Inter Miami. Tapia also mentioned that the 2026 World Cup is not guaranteed for Messi, despite Argentina’s recent runner-up finish. Future friendlies are scheduled for late September, but opponents have not yet been announced.
Why it matters
Messi’s retirement timing will affect Argentina’s national team plans and global football interest.
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