Will this be Messi’s final tournament with Argentina?

The End of an Era? Messi’s ‘Last Dance’ at Copa America 2024

The air crackles with anticipation. Every time the light blue and white stripes of Argentina take the field, the world watches. But this time, it feels different. As the 2024 Copa America kicks off in the United States, one question hangs heavy over the reigning world champions: Is this the final chapter for Lionel Messi in an Argentina shirt? The little magician, the man who completed football by lifting the World Cup, turns 37 during this very tournament. For fans, players, and pundits alike, the feeling is inescapable that we might be witnessing the last dance.

After the euphoric highs of Qatar 2022, where Messi finally secured the one trophy that had eluded him, many thought he might call it a day on the international stage. He had achieved everything. Yet, he played on, driven by the simple joy of representing his country as a champion. Now, with the next World Cup two years away, the Copa America in his new home country of the USA presents a perfect, poetic, and perhaps final, stage for a continental farewell.

What Messi Himself Says About His Future

To understand the future, we must listen to the man himself. Messi has always been more expressive with his feet than his words, but his recent comments offer a glimpse into his mindset. He is a realist, acutely aware of the passage of time, yet he is also a competitor who lives for the present moment.

The Logic of Time vs. The Passion of the Game

When asked directly about the 2026 World Cup, Messi’s answer is pragmatic. “It’s great to have records or continue to achieve things but I wouldn’t be at a World Cup just to say I’ve been to six,” he stated. His logic is sound and reflects a deep respect for the competition and his team.

• On his age: “I’m going to arrive at an age that I normally wouldn’t be able to play in the World Cup.”
• On his commitment: “I’m not thinking about the World Cup yet… I am thinking about the Copa America, and I want to do well in it.”
• On his feelings: “I try to enjoy it… because I know that there’s less and less time left. I have a good time in the national team… I enjoy the details, that I know I’m going to miss when I don’t play anymore.”

His words paint a picture of a man at peace. He isn’t making any grand declarations or definitive farewells. Instead, he’s soaking it all in, knowing each tournament, each training session, is a gift. He has accepted that the end is closer than the beginning, but he refuses to let it overshadow the present joy of playing for Argentina.

The View from the Dressing Room: A Squad in Unison

If Messi is cautiously non-committal, his teammates and manager are anything but. The entire Argentina setup, from the coaching staff to the youngest player, is united in their desire for the captain to continue. They are not ready to say goodbye.

Manager Lionel Scaloni: “Let Him Be Happy”

Manager Lionel Scaloni, the architect of Argentina’s recent triumphs, understands Messi’s value better than anyone. After the World Cup, Scaloni himself sent shockwaves through Argentine football by admitting he was considering his own future, citing the immense pressure of the job. He ultimately stayed, and his philosophy regarding Messi is simple: as long as he is happy and his body holds up, the door is always open.

“We Argentinians are too melancholic,” Scaloni said, pushing back against the constant “last dance” narrative. “Let’s enjoy him now. We’ll see what happens in the future.” For Scaloni, the team functions because Messi is comfortable and happy within it. The priority is to maintain that environment, allowing the magic to flow for as long as possible.

The Teammates: “We Will Try to Convince Him”

The sentiment is even stronger among the players who have gone to battle alongside him. They see him not just as a global icon, but as their leader and friend.

• Rodrigo De Paul, Messi’s on-field bodyguard and close confidant, is firm: “I am not ever going to talk about a ‘last’ Copa America. Let him enjoy it, and we will see. We should never say ‘this is the last one’ because you never know.”
• Cristian Romero, the rock at the heart of the defense, echoed this hope: “We are all very happy to have him. We see him very happy. We will try to convince him to continue for longer.”

This isn’t just wishful thinking. It’s a testament to the incredible culture Scaloni has built—a team that plays for Messi, not just with him. They will do everything in their power to keep their captain with them on the road to 2026.

Form is Temporary, Class is Permanent: Messi’s Miami Masterclass

Any concerns about Messi’s ability to compete at the highest level as he approaches 40 are quickly dispelled by watching him play for Inter Miami. The move to Major League Soccer has not dulled his genius; if anything, it seems to have reinvigorated him.

In his first 12 matches of the MLS season, he has been nothing short of spectacular, racking up 12 goals and 13 assists. He is not just a passenger in a lesser league; he is dominating it, displaying the same vision, dribbling, and finishing prowess that has defined his career. This sustained level of excellence proves his body is still capable of producing world-class moments. Playing in the USA has also made this Copa America a “home” tournament, reducing travel fatigue and allowing him to thrive in a familiar environment. This could be a key factor in extending his international career.

Argentina’s Quest to Defend the Crown

While Messi is the headline act, this Argentina team is far from a one-man show. They enter the Copa America as the undisputed kings of international football, holding both the World Cup and the previous Copa America title. Their form has been relentless. Since their shock opening-game loss to Saudi Arabia in Qatar, La Albiceleste have lost just one of their subsequent 14 matches.

This is a well-oiled machine, a perfect blend of youthful energy and veteran experience, all built around their legendary captain.

• Solid Defence: With players like Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez, they possess a tough, uncompromising backline.
• Dynamic Midfield: The engine room of Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez is tireless, creative, and tactically astute.
• Potent Attack: Alongside Messi, the next generation is already shining. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez provide firepower, ensuring the goalscoring burden doesn’t rest solely on Messi’s shoulders. And let’s not forget the experienced Angel Di Maria, who is also playing in his final Copa America, adding another layer of motivation.

Savoring Every Moment: The Final Verdict

So, will this be Messi’s final tournament with Argentina? The honest answer is that nobody knows for sure, likely not even Messi himself. The head says that a 39-year-old playing at a World Cup is a tall order. The heart, however, sees his current form, the love from his teammates, and the joy on his face, and dares to dream of 2026.

Perhaps the question itself is the wrong one to ask. Instead of focusing on the end, we should focus on the now. We are privileged to witness the twilight of the greatest player of all time still performing at an elite level for his beloved country. Every pass, every goal, every moment of magic at this Copa America is a gift.

Whether this is truly the “last dance” or simply the prelude to an even more improbable encore, the message is clear: watch him. Enjoy him. Appreciate the greatness while it’s still here. Because when the day finally comes that Lionel Messi no longer wears the Argentina number 10, football will be poorer for it.