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Lionel Messi to decide international retirement, says AFA chief
Following Argentina's 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, Argentina Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia has stated that Lionel Messi will personally decide when to retire from international football. Tapia praised Messi's performance in the tournament, noting that the 39-year-old was a "standard-bearer" and arguably the best player of the competition, recording eight goals and four assists.
In a separate development, Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of Lionel Messi, passed away at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina, following treatment for an unspecified illness. Jorge played a pivotal role in his son's professional journey, managing his affairs and supporting his career from his early years at Newell's Old Boys through his move to Barcelona.
Regarding family, Lionel Messi recently clarified that his 13-year-old son, Thiago, will continue his football development with Inter Miami's youth divisions, dismissing rumors of a move to Barcelona's academy.
Entities
2026 FIFA World Cup · Argentina Football Association · Argentina national football team · Claudio Tapia · Inter Miami · Inter Miami CF · Jorge Messi · Lionel Messi · Spain · Spain national football team
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Argentina lost 1‑0 to Spain in extra time in the World Cup final. jack1065.com · srnnews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Messi broke Miroslav Klose’s career World Cup scoring record of 16 goals. jack1065.com · srnnews.com
- [DISPUTED] Lionel Messi turned 39 on June 24, 2023. jack1065.com · srnnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Messi will be 41 during the 2028 Copa América, creating uncertainty about his participation. worldsoccertalk.com
- [● 22 SOURCES] Claudio Tapia said Lionel Messi alone will decide when to retire from international football. jack1065.com · srnnews.com · przegladsportowy.onet.pl · www.pravda.sk · mix929.com · +17 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Messi finished the 2026 World Cup with eight goals and four assists. jack1065.com · srnnews.com · przegladsportowy.onet.pl · www.pravda.sk · mix929.com · +2 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Messi is under contract with Inter Miami through December 2028. worldsoccertalk.com · www.pulsesports.ng · wtvbam.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Messi scored a brace against Austria in the World Cup group stage. jack1065.com · srnnews.com
- [● 18 SOURCES] Kylian Mbappé finished the 2026 World Cup with 22 goals. mix929.com · jack1065.com · worldsoccertalk.com · www.khelupdates.com · kelo.com · +13 more
- [● 18 SOURCES] Messi became the first player to break Miroslav Klose’s World Cup scoring record of 16 goals. mix929.com · jack1065.com · worldsoccertalk.com · www.khelupdates.com · kelo.com · +13 more
- [● 18 SOURCES] Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. mix929.com · jack1065.com · worldsoccertalk.com · www.khelupdates.com · kelo.com · +13 more
- [● 18 SOURCES] Messi could be 43 years old at the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco with one match each in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. mix929.com · jack1065.com · worldsoccertalk.com · www.khelupdates.com · kelo.com · +13 more