Messi's Future in Copa America Up to Him, Says Tapia

Claudio Tapia, the president of the Argentina Football Association (AFA), announced that Lionel Messi will have total control over his decision to participate in the 2028 Copa America. Tapia emphasized that there will be no pressure on Messi, who has not yet committed to his international future following Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

He praised Messi for his outstanding performances, including eight assists during the tournament, and expressed satisfaction with Messi's contributions to the sport. Tapia stated, "It is totally his own personal decision," and highlighted the importance of allowing Messi to enjoy playing football.

Additionally, Tapia addressed the uncertainty surrounding Messi before the World Cup and noted that expectations for his participation were low. He also expressed a desire for head coach Lionel Scaloni to remain with the team, stating that Scaloni is the preferred choice for the AFA moving forward.