Lionel Messi Says He Is Enjoying His “Final Battles” For Argentina

Lionel Messi expressed his enjoyment of his “final battles” with Argentina after scoring in a 2-0 victory over Canada on Tuesday, securing a place in the Copa America final. Following a subdued performance against Ecuador in the quarter-finals, Messi regained form, connecting well with Angel Di Maria and strike partner Julian Alvarez, who also scored. “I’m experiencing it like I did in the last Copa America, in the last World Cup…these are my final battles, and I’m savoring them to the fullest,” he told TyC Sports after the win, setting up a final against Uruguay or Colombia.

Playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, Messi has yet to confirm whether he will continue with Argentina for the 2026 World Cup, which will feature its final in New Jersey.

Responding to Messi’s remark about his “final battles,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni urged patience. “We should leave him be; he knows we won’t be the ones to close the door on him. He can stay with us as long as he likes, even after he retires…Let him decide,” Scaloni said.

Messi has the opportunity to win a third consecutive major title with Argentina following their 2022 World Cup victory and their 2021 Copa America triumph.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner acknowledged senior teammates Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi and emphasized how their success validated the team’s challenging years. “It’s incredible what this group and the Argentina national team have achieved…It gives value to everything we, the older generation, have gone through,” Messi said on TyC Sports. “Reaching another final, competing to be champions again, isn’t easy for us,” he added after the win at MetLife Stadium.

Despite Argentina’s relatively comfortable path to the final against Canada, Messi noted the Copa America’s difficulty due to harsh conditions and tough opponents. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the pride of representing Argentina and reaching another final.