One of Lionel Messi's Argentina colleagues has revealed under which circumstances he believes the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner would have retired from international football.
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In 2021, the former Barcelona star ended a long wait for silverware on the international stage at senior level when he helped inspire the Albiceleste to Copa America glory in Brazil following a 1-0 win over the host nation in the final.
His status and legacy in his home country was then only further elevated when he captained Argentina to success at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with performances that proved to be a determining factor in his 2023 Ballon d'Or triumph in Paris last month.
Many suspected the World Cup last year would be the last opportunity to see him represent his nation, but he has decided to continue enjoying life as a world champion ahead of the upcoming Copa America.
His compatriot Nicolas Tagliafico thinks there would be a good chance of Messi competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup if Argentina win the continental competition, and suggested that the Inter Miami forward might have already hung up his international boots if not for the success in Qatar.
"Do you know what the key is for Messi to play in the 2026 World Cup? Win Copa America next year," he told La Nacion.
"If we would not have won the World Cup in Qatar, he would have left. But he won it and he wants to enjoy these months.
"But if we go to the United States and win the Copa America, he will want to continue."
Messi, Argentina's all-time record goalscorer, has previously ruled out participating at the tournament that is set to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, although he has once before gone back on a decision to retire.
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In 2016, he briefly called time on his international career after losing in the Copa America final that year, but returned to the international fold just months later.
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