Argentina players believe Lionel Messi has played in his last major tournament following their Copa America win over Colombia last night.
Lionel Scaloni’s side, who won the World Cup in 2022, secured the trophy with a narrow 1-0 victory – with Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez bagging the only goal of the game.
Messi was forced out of the game with an injury, with the Inter Miami star leaving the pitch in tears.
At the age of 37, and with his brilliance showing signs of dwindling, it is unclear how much the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona star has left in the tank.
Lionel Messi: Argentina star left the pitch in tears after his country’s Copa America win over Colombia
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And The Athletic say the ‘mood music’ around the Argentina camp is that Messi has now played in his last major tournament.
Messi has played 187 times for his country, having made his debut all the way back in 2005.
With two Copa America triumphs and one World Cup to his name, however, he could now decide to focus purely on club football.
Messi joined Inter Miami last year and has bagged 25 goals from 29 games since his transfer to the United States.
He seems committed to the project out in America, meaning retirement from all forms of football isn’t on the cards just yet.
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But Messi’s emotional reaction after being forced out of the Colombia clash, certainly, won’t dampen talk of his international career drawing to a close.
Scaloni, meanwhile, has reacted to his side’s stunning triumph at the Hard Rock Stadium.
The Argentina boss, who had a spell in England with West Ham during his own playing days, insists Messi wasn’t selfish for crying on the pitch.
Defending his star man, he said: “Leo has something that everyone should have.
“He’s the best in history and, even with an ankle like that, he doesn’t want to go off.
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“It’s not because he’s selfish, but because he doesn’t want to let his team-mates down.
“He was born to be on a pitch.”
His comments were echoed by midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, with the Atletico Madrid star saying: “I know how Leo thinks.
“And what he most wants is always to be on the pitch with us, helping us there.”
Argentina have now won all three of their last major tournaments.
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Lionel Messi: Argentina star has been defended by manager Lionel Scaloni following their 1-0 win over Colombia in the Copa America final
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And Scaloni feels his side deserved their victory over Colombia, despite their opponents having more possession and managing more shots.
“I don’t know if it marks an era, but it’s true this team never ceases to surprise,” he said.
“They overcame the difficulties of a very difficult match, with a very complicated opponent and without a good first half.
“In the second half I think we improved and deserved to win and then always in extra time, in the long run the team always finds something extra, so it’s gratifying to see them play and I’m eternally grateful for the way they give their all.”
One Argentina player who has certainly played his last match for his country is Angel Di Maria.
Lionel Messi: Argentina star holds the Copa America trophy aloft after his side’s 1-0 win over Colombia in the final
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Scaloni has paid tribute to the veteran, saying his performance against Colombia was ‘one of his best’ for his country.
“Di Maria has had some spectacular matches, but today’s was one of his best,” he continued.
“As well as playing well, he had the attitude to press at a time in the match when his legs weren’t working and he started running as if he were 25 years old.
“He’s a legend, there’s no way to convince him (to stay on) but maybe at least play one more and say goodbye to his fans because he deserves it.
“His story is like a movie because of how it ended.”
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