Claudio Tapia, the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), has emphasized that Lionel Messi will have the final say regarding his participation in the national team for the 2028 Copa America. Tapia stated that neither he nor the federation would exert any pressure on Messi, underscoring that the decision rests solely with the legendary forward.

Messi's Legacy and Future

At 39 years old, Messi has continued to showcase his exceptional talent, having recently led Argentina's campaign in the FIFA World Cup with an impressive tally of eight goals and four assists. His contributions were pivotal in guiding the team to a second consecutive World Cup final, although Argentina ultimately lost to Spain. Tapia remarked on Messi's significance to the squad, highlighting that the player has consistently responded to questions about his future through his performances on the field.

"This is entirely his personal decision. He was a symbol of this tournament as he was in every tournament he took part in," Tapia stated during an interview on Argentina's "TyC" channel. He encouraged fans to appreciate every moment of Messi's illustrious career, reflecting on the uncertainty surrounding Messi's participation in future tournaments.

Scaloni's Position Remains a Priority

In addition to Messi's future, Tapia addressed the situation regarding Lionel Scaloni, the head coach of the national team. He affirmed that extending Scaloni's contract is the federation's top priority, despite its impending expiration. "My first, second and third plan is Scaloni. I want him to stay, we all want him to stay," Tapia expressed. However, he acknowledged the importance of Scaloni's personal motivation, stating that he would respect the coach's decision if he felt unable to continue leading the team.

Tapia concluded by reiterating that there would be no attempts to persuade Scaloni to remain if he lacked the necessary drive or vision for future success. As both Messi and Scaloni contemplate their respective futures, the AFA president remains committed to supporting their decisions, emphasizing the importance of personal conviction in their roles.