Manchester City attacker Julian Alvarez has shared when Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi could retire from Argentina duty.
The 36-year-old attacker heads is due to lead the reigning FIFA World Cup champions at this summer’s Copa America, a competition that has been billed as potentially Messi’s last on the international stage with Argentina.
As a world and continental champion, there would be a lot of logic behind Messi calling time on time as Argentina’s captain and talisman, with Inter Miami now a priority for the former FC Barcelona superstar.
And Alvarez has now given his verdict on when Messi could retire from the Argentina national team.
Alvarez urges Messi to not retire from Argentina just yet
Speaking to ESPN, the 24-year-old attacker urged Messi to not retire from international duty just yet, with Alvarez suggesting that Argentina work better when the Inter Miami star is in the squad.
With Messi the South American nation’s all-time goalscorer and key behind Argentina’s Copa America and World Cup triumphs in 2021 and 2022 respectively, it’s understandable why Alvarez wants his attacking teammate to keep on playing.
Indeed, Messi has been playing soccer at the highest level for the best part of 20 years, and it’s no real wonder why his Argentine teammates want the forward to keep representing the national team for as long as possible.
Alvarez said when asked if he hopes Messi stays on with Argentina after this summer’s Copa America: “Let’s hope so. He’s going to decide when he retires, but we want him to be here, it makes us better.”
Inter Miami will hope this is it for Messi and Argentina
Messi is coming towards the final years of his sensational career, and for Inter Miami, they will hope that this upcoming international tournament is the last the 36-year-old will play.
Whilst there will be a temptation to stay on until the 2026 World Cup, also taking place in America, Messi has seemingly given all the signs needed to confirm that this Copa America could be it for Argentina.
And for Inter Miami, it would be the perfect time for Messi to make his bow from the international game, where the attacker has made a generational impact.