Messi has acknowledged that he does not want to play for Argentina at the next World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico after helping his nation win its third worldwide championship at the event in Qatar in 2022. Nonetheless, Tapia hasn’t given up on the possibility of a Messi U-turn and has pointed to Luka Modric’s accomplishments with the Croatian national team as a role model for him to emulate in terms of perseverance in international football.
The AFA president said at the Sports Summit Leaders: “He always goes for more. He never leaves you. He always surprises you, he goes for more. You can imagine it. How can I not imagine it? I would like him to be there. With the conditions he has, he could easily play in the 2026 World Cup.
“Modric does it for his team, [Andres] Iniesta did it for Barcelona. It depends on him, on what he feels. I see him playing in the World Cup, playing in the position he wants. He can really do it. It will depend on what he wants. I dream about that.”
Tapia added: “He is happy with the national team, coming to the facility. He is very happy with the group of teammates, with the coaching staff. I am fortunate to have the relationship I have with him. It is a relationship of affection.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Messi left Europe for the first time in his professional career this summer to join MLS side Inter Miami. Since his arrival, Messi has taken U.S. soccer by storm, scoring 11 times in 10 appearances across all competitions. The 36-year-old has already won his first trophy at Inter Miami in the form of the inaugural Leagues Cup, and has also played a key role in their progress to the final of the US Open Cup.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
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WHAT NEXT FOR LIONEL MESSI? The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will be next seen in action for Argentina in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Bolivia on September 7 and 12 respectively.
