The president of the Argentina Football Association, Claudio Tapia, insists that he will not pressure Lionel Messi to play in the 2028 Copa America, insisting it is entirely up to the legendary frontman.
Messi has not committed to his international future since defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The 39-year-old has put up remarkable displays at the highest level and has scored eight assists four at the tournament, to rank amongst its best.
Tapia applauded the Inter Miami superstar for another sensational World Cup; he confirmed his country will respect his choice in everything.
” It is totally his own personal decision, ” Tapia told TyC Sports. ” We have to be satisfied with what he has done. Let’s see him continue to enjoy the sport of playing football; let him decide what he feels is convenient for him.”
The AFA chief also expressed the pre-World Cup uncertainty surrounding Messi and also revealed that only very few had expectations of him playing in the last tournament following a glorious showing in Qatar.
Tapia also stressed that he wants head coach Lionel Scaloni to continue at the team.
” Plan A, B and C for us is Scaloni, “ he stated, but also confessed that the coach needs to take time to decide his next endeavor with the world champions.
