Lionel Messi, who celebrated his 39th birthday during this summer’s World Cup, has yet to reveal whether he plans to conclude his international career. Following Argentina’s defeat in last month’s World Cup final against Spain, the national team’s immediate attention turns to a series of as-yet unconfirmed friendlies scheduled for the final two international windows of 2026, spanning September 21 to October 6 and November 9 to 17.
Beyond these upcoming fixtures, Argentina’s next significant tournament engagement will be the Copa América, where the Albiceleste will aim to defend their current championship title. However, uncertainty remains about whether Messi will be called up for the friendlies this fall, which are expected to mark the last matches under head coach Lionel Scaloni’s leadership. The bigger question looms over Messi’s availability for the next Copa América.
Messi’s next chance of winning silverware with Argentina
The 49th edition of the Copa América is scheduled to take place in June and July 2028. By that time, Messi will be 41 years old but could still be active in professional soccer. Last October, he extended his contract with Inter Miami through to the spring of 2028, coinciding with the conclusion of the Major League Soccer season.
Given his advancing age, there remains the possibility that Messi might opt to retire from international football within the next two years, choosing instead to concentrate on his club career in Miami. Nonetheless, he is not the oldest player to have ever represented Argentina at the senior level, leaving open the option that he could continue with the national team.