Argentina Won’t Pressure 125-Goal Scorer Lionel Messi Over 2028 Copa América

Following an eight-goal performance at the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi will determine his own timeline for the 2028 Copa América.

Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia has confirmed the national team will not pressure Lionel Messi to compete in the 2028 Copa América. The 39-year-old Inter Miami captain recently concluded a 2026 World Cup campaign where he recorded eight goals and four assists to lead La Albiceleste to the final. Despite a 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in that championship match, Messi remains the country’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals across a 21-year international career.

Tapia told TyC Sports that the decision to play in the next continental tournament rests entirely with the veteran forward. Messi has already secured two Copa América titles, winning the trophy in both 2021 and 2024. He currently holds the record for most appearances for Argentina, having represented his nation 207 times on the pitch. During the 2022 World Cup, where he was named the most valuable player, Messi adopted a "one match at a time" philosophy that Tapia credits for his high level of performance.

Scaloni’s Future and Coaching Uncertainty

While the roster remains flexible for its star player, the managerial position is currently under evaluation. Lionel Scaloni, the 48-year-old head coach, is considering his future following the narrow defeat to Spain. Scaloni’s current contract is set to expire at the end of 2026. Tapia described the manager as his "plan A, plan B, and plan C," expressing a desire for the coach to remain at the helm despite Scaloni’s public comments about needing to evaluate his drive for further success.

Scaloni’s tenure began in 2018 as an interim manager before he became the most successful coach in the history of the national team. He orchestrated a streak of three consecutive major international trophies, beginning with the 2021 Copa América, followed by the 2022 World Cup, and concluding with the 2024 Copa América. Tapia emphasized that he cannot force the manager to stay if he no longer sees a path to victory, though the AFA remains hopeful for a renewal.

Historical Context and National Identity

Argentina has already secured a place in the 2030 World Cup, distinguishing its path from nations like England, who currently lack an automatic qualifying spot for Euro 2028. To honor recent achievements, the country has announced a commemorative day to celebrate the specific World Cup victory over England. Tapia labeled the current squad as the best national team of all time, noting that the group has successfully united the Argentine people through their recent competitive cycles.

Messi’s role as the standard-bearer for the squad continues to be the focal point of the AFA’s long-term planning. Since he has not yet discussed his post-2026 intentions, the federation is prioritizing his personal enjoyment of the sport over specific tournament commitments. The Inter Miami star's 125-goal tally remains the benchmark for the program as they look toward the next four-year cycle. Tapia concluded that the priority is for the player to feel the necessary internal motivation before committing to the 2028 schedule.