3 weeks ago
Messi's retirement decision solely his, Argentina FA President Tapia says
The boss of Argentina's football association, Claudio Tapia, said it is up to Lionel Messi to decide whether he keeps playing.
Messi is one of the greatest football players ever.
He just played in the World Cup in 2026.
His team, Argentina, made it to the final but lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time.
Even though they lost, Messi played amazingly.
He broke a record by scoring more World Cup goals in his career than anyone before him.
Another star player, Kylian Mbappe, scored just one more goal in the tournament.
Tapia said nobody will pressure Messi to stop playing.
He said Messi can relax and make his own choice.
After Argentina won the World Cup in 2022, Messi chose to keep playing and gave fans another great tournament.
Argentina Football Association President Claudio Tapia said Lionel Messi's decision to retire rests solely with the player.
Argentina lost the FIFA World Cup 2026 final 1-0 to Spain in extra time last month.
Messi became the first player to surpass Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals.
Kylian Mbappe finished with 22 World Cup goals, one ahead of Messi for the tournament lead.
Tapia said the association will not pressure Messi, praising him as the standard-bearer of Argentina's World Cup campaign.
- Who
- Lionel Messi and Argentina Football Association President Claudio Tapia
- What
- Tapia said Messi's retirement decision is entirely his own, following Argentina's World Cup 2026 final loss to Spain
- Where
- Argentina, where Tapia spoke on Argentine television during the World Cup 2026
- When
- Shortly after the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, which took place last month
- Why
- To let Messi decide his future without pressure after an emotional tournament, including a record-breaking individual performance
Key facts
- Player
- Lionel Messi
- Argentina FA President
- Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia
- World Cup 2026 final result
- Argentina 0-1 Spain (extra time)
- Messi record
- First player to surpass Miroslav Klose's 16 World Cup goals
- Tournament top scorer
- Kylian Mbappe (22 goals)
- Messi's club
- Inter Miami
- Messi's 2022 achievement
- Won the World Cup in Qatar and chose to continue playing
Quotes
Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia
President of the Argentina Football Association
“It was a great World Cup from Leo. He was the standard‑bearer of this group in the World Cup.”
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“It’s a decision that is purely and personally his. You have to let him relax.”
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Sources
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