Argentinian star Lionel Messi, captain of the national team and player for Inter Miami, discussed the possibility of ending his international career with the national team after this season in comments following Argentina’s match against Bolivia.
Argentina achieved a significant victory over Bolivia, winning 6-0 in the tenth round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, with Messi scoring a hat-trick. Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Thiago Almada each added a goal to the tally.
After the match, Messi addressed his future in international play and his stance on participating in the 2026 World Cup. According to the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Messi expressed his happiness at representing the Argentinian national team despite the age difference between him and his teammates, emphasizing that he still feels capable of playing alongside them.
He explained that he wants to enjoy what remains of his football career and feels the support of fans, particularly national team supporters. Messi mentioned that he hasn’t set a precise retirement date yet, preferring to take things step by step as he prepares for the upcoming season. Regarding his potential participation in the 2026 World Cup, Messi hinted that it could be his last appearance with the national team.