Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia, the president of the Argentina Football Association, recently affirmed that Lionel Messi will have the final say on when he decides to retire from professional football. This statement comes in light of Messi's impressive performances during the summer's World Cup, where he showcased his enduring talent on the global stage.
In an interview with Argentine television, Tapia emphasized the personal nature of the decision regarding Messi's retirement. He stated, "It's a decision that is purely and personally his. You have to let him relax." This comment reflects the respect and admiration Tapia has for Messi, who turned 39 on June 24, just two days after he scored two goals against Austria in the World Cup group stage.
Messi's future in international football remains uncertain, especially after leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup against France. Despite speculation about whether he would participate in the 2026 tournament, Tapia noted that Messi's focus has been on taking things "game by game." His performance during the recent World Cup was remarkable, as he recorded eight goals and four assists, further solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats.
Argentina's journey in the World Cup concluded with a narrow 1-0 loss to Spain in the final, held in the United States. Messi's record-breaking achievements during the tournament included surpassing Miroslav Klose's previous career scoring record of 16 goals, although he was ultimately edged out by French forward Kylian Mbappe, who finished the tournament with 22 goals.
Tapia expressed immense pride in Messi's contributions, stating, "It was a great World Cup from Leo. We enjoyed it a lot, and we’ve got to feel proud. Without a doubt, he was the standard-bearer of this group in the World Cup." He further lauded Messi's ability to break records throughout the tournament, highlighting the impact Messi continues to have on the sport.
As the football world looks ahead, the prospect of Messi participating in the 2030 World Cup looms large. If he were to play in that tournament, he would be 43 years old, making him one of the oldest players to compete in World Cup history. The current record for the oldest outfield player is held by Cameroonian Roger Milla, who played at 42 years and 39 days old. In comparison, another legendary player, Cristiano Ronaldo, also participated in the recent World Cup at the age of 41.
As Messi continues to defy age and expectations, the football community remains eager to see how long he will grace the pitch. For now, Tapia's comments reinforce the notion that Messi's love for the game will guide his decision on retirement, allowing him to savor every moment on the field.
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