As Lionel Messi enters the Copa America tournament in the United States, many speculate that this could potentially be his final chapter with Argentina’s national soccer team. At 37, Messi is past his peak and has faced challenges with injuries while playing for Inter Miami and the national team. Despite this, he has not set a date for his retirement and has expressed openness to playing in the 2026 World Cup.
In a recent interview, Messi acknowledged the physical challenges that come with aging in professional sports. He mentioned that as he has grown older, the physical demands of the game have become more difficult. However, he continues to perform well on the field, with 12 goals and 13 assists for Inter Miami this season.
While Messi enjoys spending time with his family, going out with friends, and engaging in new business ventures in Miami, he still finds joy in playing soccer and cherishes the moments he shares with his teammates. He remains focused on giving his best in the Copa America tournament and hopes to lead Argentina to victory.
One of Messi’s longtime teammates, Ángel Di Maria, is set to retire from international soccer after the Copa America, raising questions about Messi’s future with the national team. Despite this, Messi is determined to continue contributing as long as he feels capable of doing so. He aims to break records in the Copa America, including becoming the tournament’s leading scorer and breaking the record for most appearances.
Messi’s teammates, including defender Cristian Romero, express their admiration for the football legend and emphasize the importance of enjoying the time they have with him on the field. As they gear up for the Copa America, they are ready to support Messi and strive for victory alongside him. While the future may hold uncertainty for Messi’s international career, for now, the focus remains on performing well in the upcoming tournament.