Lionel Messi has dropped yet another hint on his potential retirement from the Argentina national team after their latest Copa America win.
The reigning South American champions booked their ticket into this year’s final with an easy 2-0 win against Canada, with Messi on the scoresheet for the first time this tournament, and creating history in the process.
At 37-years-old and suffering from more and more fitness issues, Messi’s time at the top is slowly coming to an end, with rumors flying around that this Copa America could be the last the Inter Miami forward ever plays with Argentina.
And the MLS superstar seemingly dropped a hint that his time with the national team might soon be over.
Messi issues cryptic Argentina retirement hint after 2-0 Canada win
Speaking to the press after Argentina’s semi-final win against Canada, Messi hinted that he is doing all he can to enjoy his ‘last battles’ with the national team, alongside the likes of Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi.
Whilst competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be viewed by many as the dream way for Messi to call time on his international career, it appears that the forward could have plans to hang up his boots for Argentina this summer, with a Copa America win an ideal way to bow out.
Messi said when asked how he is feeling after making it to the Copa America final: “Let’s enjoy what we’re experiencing as a national team, as a group. It’s not easy to make the final again, to compete and to be champions again.
“It’s very difficult and we have to take advantage of it, because it’s not easy to do this and we did it again. I’m experiencing it like everything else lately. I’m enjoying it a lot and being aware, like Fideo [Angel Di Maria) and Ota [Nicolas Otamendi], that these are the last battles.”
Messi needs to end international career on a high
Messi’s international career is one we are unlikely to see for decades to come, with the Argentine superstar winning everything there is to win for his national team whilst doing so as the star player for the best part of two decades.
And with this week’s Copa America final lining up to be Messi’s last for Argentina, the 37-year-old attacker needs to end his international career on a high by reclaiming the Copa America title.
Argentina have proved this Copa America that they’re the best team in the competition and worthy winners if they go distance, and for Messi, lifting the South American championship will be a perfect way to call time with the national team.