On December 18, 2022, Lionel Messi finally clinched the FIFA World Cup, resolving years of near misses in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018.
Messi and the Argentina shirt with three stars
At 35, questions about a possible international retirement for La Pulga circulated. He has publicly expressed a desire to keep wearing the Argentina jersey at a celebration marking the country’s third star.
Argentina is set to host two friendlies on March 21 and 28, with opponents yet to be announced.
Messi, who first wore the Argentina shirt in 2005, is the most-capped player in the national team’s history with 172 appearances and the all-time top scorer with 98 goals. Reaching the 100-goal milestone remains a strong personal motivation.
In late January 2023, the French newspaper L’Equipe reported developments regarding Messi’s international future.
Gold in Copa América 2024 and a World Cup 2026?
Privately, Messi has indicated to his circle that he plans to remain in the national team at least through the 2024 Copa América.
At the same time, uncertainty surrounds the host country for the tournament after Ecuador withdrew. The United States, a CONCACAF member, has shown interest, which could lead to a Copa América featuring several CONCACAF teams, similar to the 2016 edition.
Messi claimed the 2021 Copa América with Argentina and would like to participate again, aiming to defend the title on home soil in the near future.
However, the 2024 Copa América might not be Messi’s last major appearance in Argentina colors. L’Equipe also suggested that Messi discussed the possibility of defending his world champion title at the 2026 World Cup.
The 2026 tournament is scheduled to take place from June 3 to July 8, with Canada, the United States and Mexico serving as hosts. Messi would be 38 at the start and would celebrate his 39th birthday during the competition, given his birth date of June 25.
According to L’Equipe, the player’s main focus remains on the Copa América 2024 and staying in peak form to compete at the highest level in the coming years.