Argentina FA chief says only Messi will decide when he retires
The head of Argentina's Football Association says the decision on when Lionel Messi retires belongs solely to the player, despite retirement speculation surrounding him at the last two World Cups.
The chief of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has stated publicly that the decision on when Lionel Messi ends his professional career rests entirely with the player himself. The comment follows persistent speculation about a possible Messi retirement that has accompanied him through the last two World Cup tournaments.
Recurring speculation
Ahead of major tournaments, questions about how much longer Messi will continue playing at the top level have repeatedly surfaced in football media and public discussion. This speculation has become a recurring backdrop to his appearances with the national team, though no official plans regarding his future have been confirmed.
Federation's position
The AFA chief made clear that the federation does not intend to influence or pressure Messi's choice about continuing or ending his career. The statement reinforces that the timing of any retirement remains a personal matter, dependent entirely on the player's own wishes.
The remarks come at a time when Messi's name continues to be closely linked with the Argentina national team and international football, even as no concrete announcement about his future has been made. The federation's comment is seen as an attempt to ease ongoing speculation while affirming that the final call belongs to Messi alone.
