Lionel Messi, who is set to join Inter Miami, has stated that he would retire from Argentina “soon” after approaching “the latter years” of his career.
Messi vowed to continue playing like a champion in albiceleste colours after guiding Argentina to their third world title in Qatar. Nevertheless, he stated before the competition that he would not be returning for the 2026 edition of the global event, and he reinforced that position last month while unveiling his next transfer to MLS team Inter Miami. Recently, in an interview with TV Publica, when he was questioned by his Argentina national teammates, he reiterated that he is nearing the end of his career and that his international retirement “will be close,” although he did not give a specific date.
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When asked when he will stop playing for the Argentina national team by Exequiel Palacios, Messi replied: “Honestly, I don’t know until when. I think it will happen when it has to happen. After having achieved everything recently, the only thing left to do is to enjoy. God will say when that moment will come.
“Logically, because of my age, I’m sure it will be soon. But I don’t know exactly when will be the right time. I think about the day-to-day, enjoying everything beautiful. We had to go through very hard times in the national team. We were fortunate enough to be World Cup and Copa America champions. It’s time to enjoy,” he added.
Meanwhile, Paulo Dybala asked Messi if he is human, and whether he gives much thought to how much he has achieved in the game.
“When you are always competing, when you always have goals ahead of you, you don’t value much what you really deserve, what you are achieving,” he said. “I am at a moment in my career where I enjoy everything that happens to me and I value everything much more because I know that these are the last years. But I think that when I retire and I’m not playing anymore, I will value all of this much more. And even more so the fact of being a World champion, which will last a lifetime, especially in a country like ours, that is so fond of football, so grateful for it.”
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WHAT NEXT? Messi has already landed in Florida and is set to be presented as a new Inter Miami player in a ‘major unveiling event’ that will be held on July 16 at 8 pm ET.
