Will Messi retire from international football after Copa America? A vague response raises controversy

Lionel Messi succeeded in scoring a goal and leading Argentina to beat Canada 2-0 and reach the 2024 Copa America final in the United States of America.

Thanks to this goal, Messi wrote an exceptional history for himself, as he became the second player in the history of Copa America to score in 6 different editions, knowing that he participated in the tournament 7 times.

Brazilian football legend Zizinho was the one who achieved the feat before Messi, and his number remained standing for 67 years, specifically since 1957.

Over the course of his participation in the Copa America, which began in 2008, Messi scored in every tournament except for the 2011 edition, and in total he scored 14 goals, and he is the third all-time top scorer in the tournament.

Messi commented on his success in reaching the Copa America final with Argentina, stressing that he is living his last moments before retirement. He did not reveal whether his intention was that he would retire internationally with Cuba or whether he would continue until the 2026 World Cup.

The 37-year-old said, “I know I’m fighting my last fights, so I’m trying to enjoy them to the fullest.”

He continued, “What this team has done and is doing is truly crazy. We must enjoy what the team achieves and benefit from it.”

It is noteworthy that Messi won the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, and the 2024 final will be his fifth in his history with the Tango Country.