When will Messi retire? Scaloni responds

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that legend Lionel Messi is the one who decides when he retires, stressing that the national team will continue to enjoy his services as long as he is in the squad . Messi, who will turn 39 in the summer of 2026, is preparing for his last major tournament with his country, with the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Venezuela expected to be one of his final international matches for Argentina, before friendlies in preparation for the World Cup are held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico . Scaloni said in his statements: "Messi is still making the difference, and he has the right to decide when he retires. Let's enjoy him while he is with us." Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, has 193 international caps and 112 goals. Scaloni spoke about his teammate Rodrigo De Paul, the Inter Miami player: "The important thing is the performance, not the place, and if he maintains his level, he will undoubtedly remain in the national team." Messi and De Paul will continue to represent Argentina despite losing the 2025 Copa del Rey final, with talk continuing about the possibility of Messi extending his contract with his American club before he retires from international football.