The mere thought of Lionel Messi hanging up his boots sends shivers through the football world. Argentina defender Nicolas Tagliafico recently put words to what millions fear—that when the GOAT finally retires, the void will be impossible to fill, regardless of how much time we have to prepare.
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Nobody Will Be Ready: The Inevitable Reality No One Wants to Face
Speaking on Radio La Red, the Lyon fullback opened up about Argentina’s looming existential crisis. “He’s been playing for Argentina for 20 years. It’s completely unusual. Nobody will be prepared for when Leo is gone,” Tagliafico admitted, his words carrying the weight of someone who’s shared dressing rooms and World Cup glory with the legend.
The 38-year-old Inter Miami star has defied Father Time throughout 2025, yet whispers about his international retirement grow louder with each passing month. Tagliafico and Messi have been teammates through Argentina’s golden era—the 2022 World Cup triumph and back-to-back Copa America victories in 2021 and 2024.
Messi’s Career Milestone Overview
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| International Caps | 186+ appearances for Argentina |
| International Goals | 109+ goals |
| Major Trophies with Argentina | 2022 World Cup, 2021 & 2024 Copa America |
| Games with Tagliafico | 54 matches together |
| Inter Miami Contract | Extended through 2028 |
| Current Age | 38 (turns 39 in June 2026) |
The 2026 World Cup Question
The football world anxiously awaits Messi’s decision about participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Playing on home soil—where he’s thrived with Inter Miami—seems like the perfect storybook ending.
Yet Messi himself remains noncommittal. “The moment I see that I’m not physically up to it, that I’m struggling on the pitch, or that I’m not enjoying it, that will be the moment to call it quits,” he told SPORT. “But right now, I’m enjoying it, I feel good, and that’s where I’m at.”
His Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez insists the Argentine legend has “that desire to play at the World Cup 2026,” dismissing retirement talk as premature. But Messi’s own words suggest he’ll make the call based purely on performance, not sentiment.
The Camp Nou Whispers
Tagliafico also addressed Messi’s recent surprise visit to Barcelona’s renovated Camp Nou, which ignited speculation about a potential return to his boyhood club. “There was a huge fuss about the photo he took at Camp Nou because it was a surprise,” he noted.
The defender acknowledged the complexity—Spain’s Beckham Law tax benefits, MLS scheduling, and the proximity of the World Cup all factor into any potential move. “He could go during the MLS break, but I honestly don’t know what he’ll do. It’s not easy either, especially with the World Cup so close. I don’t think it will be simple,” Tagliafico explained.
For now, Messi’s focus remains split between breaking MLS records with Inter Miami—where he recently became the club’s all-time leading scorer—and preparing for Argentina’s title defense.
Life After Leo
Tagliafico’s most poignant suggestion? That Messi doesn’t completely disappear after retirement. “Maybe once he stops playing, he’ll stay on the coaching staff or have some role with the national team,” he said hopefully.
The idea of Messi transitioning into a coaching or mentorship role offers comfort to a nation that’s built its footballing identity around him for two decades. Argentina has never known international football without Messi—he debuted in 2005 as a teenager and has been their talisman ever since.
Current manager Lionel Scaloni has built his system around Messi’s genius, with younger talents like Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister learning directly from the maestro. Losing that influence overnight would fundamentally alter Argentina’s DNA.
The Unmatched Legacy
What makes Messi’s eventual departure so jarring isn’t just his statistical dominance or trophy haul—it’s his omnipresence. An entire generation has grown up never knowing football without him. Parents tell their children stories about Maradona; those same children will tell their kids about Messi.
His consistency over 20 years defies sports logic. Most athletes experience steady decline in their late thirties. Messi at 38 still averaged 14.9 points per game this MLS season and remains Argentina’s most creative force despite missing several recent qualifiers.
For comprehensive updates on Messi’s career decisions and Argentina’s World Cup campaign, follow our coverage.
The Clock Is Ticking
Whether Messi graces the 2026 World Cup or calls time on his international career beforehand, the end draws near. His body will eventually betray his mind’s willingness to continue. When that moment arrives—whether in six months or two years—Tagliafico’s words will ring prophetically true.
No amount of preparation can soften football’s farewell to its greatest artist. We’ve been spoiled by brilliance for so long that mediocrity—or even mere excellence—will feel like deprivation. That’s the curse of watching genius: everything afterward seems diminished by comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Lionel Messi play in the 2026 World Cup for Argentina?
A: Messi hasn’t confirmed his participation yet. While teammate Luis Suarez says he has the “desire” to play and the tournament will be in North America where he lives, Messi has stated he’ll only participate if he feels physically fit enough to contribute meaningfully. He played his final competitive home match in Argentina in September 2025, suggesting international retirement is approaching.
Q: Could Lionel Messi return to Barcelona before retiring?
A: While Messi recently visited Camp Nou and has expressed interest in eventually settling in Barcelona with his family, a playing return faces significant obstacles. His Inter Miami contract runs through 2028, Spain’s tax laws (Beckham Law) complicate short-term moves, and the timing clashes with World Cup preparation. Nicolas Tagliafico admitted even Argentina teammates don’t know Messi’s plans regarding a potential Barcelona return.