Messi's Argentina future uncertain as MLS grants All-Star Game exemption

Lionel Messi's international future has come under fresh speculation after Argentina's heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, while the Inter Miami superstar has also been excused from next week's Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game to allow him time to recover.

The 39-year-old forward delivered a remarkable World Cup campaign, scoring eight goals and providing four assists to finish as the tournament's second-highest scorer.

However, Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the final has raised questions over whether the match was Messi's last appearance for the national team.

Messi has yet to announce his retirement, but reports in Argentina suggest the legendary forward could soon bring an end to his international career. He is expected to continue representing the national team for the next few months to help with a smooth transition, but another World Cup campaign is reportedly not in his plans.

The Argentine Football Association is also considering a special farewell match for Messi, giving fans the chance to celebrate the career of the country's most decorated footballer.

Former Argentina teammate Ángel Di María, however, believes Messi should continue playing for as long as he wants.

"Yes, Leo should continue for as long as he wants. I think he can keep going for many more years," Di María said after the World Cup final, insisting that age should not decide Messi's future.

Messi's Argentina teammate Leandro Paredes also admitted that the squad had been dreading the possibility of his final appearance in the national team jersey.

"It hurts because I think we said it throughout the World Cup: we didn't want Leo's last game to come. I think he had already decided that it would be his last game with the national team," Paredes told DSports.

"Hopefully not - hopefully he can keep playing," the midfielder added. "It'll be his decision, and whatever he decides, if it makes him happy, it'll make us happy too. So let's hope so."

Meanwhile, Messi will not be required to play in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game after representing Argentina in the World Cup final. MLS confirmed that both Messi and fellow Argentine Rodrigo De Paul have been excused from the event due to the demanding schedule following the tournament.

"Upon a player's exit from the World Cup competition, clubs would have individual conversations with each player to determine the appropriate rest and return to training and competition timeline," MLS said.

The decision comes after Messi was suspended last year for missing the All-Star Game. However, this time the league had already agreed to make exceptions for players who reached the later stages of the World Cup.

Messi's absence means he will miss the MLS showcase in Charlotte, North Carolina, where other stars such as Son Heung-min, Thomas Müller and Tim Ream are expected to feature.