Argentina: No pressure on Messi to play 2028 Copa America

Argentina will not pressure Lionel Messi into playing at the 2028 Copa America, with Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia insisting the eight-time Ballon dOr winner will decide his own international future. Messi, 39, has yet to announce his plans after inspiring Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, scoring eight goals and providing four assists during the tournament.Its entirely his decision, Tapia said. He has to feel like playing. In 2022, we didnt know if he would be at the 2026 World Cup, but he took it one match at a time and showed his best level once again.The Inter Miami forward has enjoyed an extraordinary international career, making a record 207 appearances for Argentina while scoring 125 goals. He has won two Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup, as well as being named player of the tournament in Qatar.We should be proud of him, Tapia added. May he continue enjoying football, and may he make the decision he believes is right.Scaloni to be offered new contractTapia also revealed he is determined to keep Lionel Scaloni as Argentina head coach beyond the end of his current contract, which expires later this year.Scaloni admitted after Argentinas extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final that he would take time to consider his future.My plan A, plan B and plan C is Scaloni, Tapia said. I want him to stay and we all want him to stay, but I have to respect whatever decision he makes.Scaloni has become Argentinas most successful coach since taking charge in 2018, guiding the national team to Copa Amrica triumphs in 2021 and 2024, as well as World Cup glory in 2022. Topics Argentina National Football Team Lionel Messi Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Inter Miami vs Monterrey: Line-ups, stats and preview for Leagues Cup clash Mitch Fretton 7th August, 2026 Argentina commemorate World Cup win over England with National Football Teams Day Mitch Fretton 6th August, 2026 WATCH: Messi strike compared to a Picasso as Inter Miami captain nets two stunners in Leagues Cup win Jon Fisher 6th August, 2026 Lionel Messi makes 80k donation to help with rebuild after Madrid fires Jon Fisher 4th August, 2026 MLS: Casemiro scores horror own goal as Messi returns for Inter Miami and Lewandowski opens account for Chicago Fire Cian Cheesbrough 2nd August, 2026 I only joined Inter Miami to play with Lionel Messi, says Casemiro Jon Fisher 31st July, 2026