Wed. 23 Apr 2025
☁️ 11°C in San Francisco
🎮 Games
Date: 23-apr-2025
Image By Tasnim News Agency, CC BY 4.0, Link
April 23, 2025 — Buenos Aires, Argentina — Football legend Lionel Messi met with Argentine Football Association (AFA) President Claudio ‘Chiqui’ Tapia this week, in a closed-door session focused on the future of Argentine football. The meeting comes amid growing speculation over Messi’s evolving role in the national squad, and reaffirms his deep commitment to supporting the sport in his home country.
While Messi’s future as an active national player remains uncertain following Argentina’s 2024 Copa América performance, sources suggest the 37-year-old remains a vital influence behind the scenes. Discussions reportedly centered on long-term development plans for Argentina’s youth teams, mentoring roles, and potential involvement in football diplomacy and coaching.
“Lionel is more than just an icon—he’s a pillar of Argentine football culture,” Tapia said in a brief statement. “Our conversation was inspiring, focused on unity, vision, and building on the legacy of our recent international success.”
Though Messi has not officially announced retirement from international football, the meeting suggests he is laying the groundwork for a future role off the pitch—potentially as an advisor or mentor to younger players.
Fans have been speculating whether Messi could eventually take on an ambassadorial role, or even a managerial position with the AFA in the coming years.
The meeting also highlighted AFA’s broader strategy to build on its 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa run, positioning Argentina as a long-term powerhouse in world football. With names like Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, and Alejandro Garnacho stepping up, the AFA is eager to blend Messi’s wisdom with a new generation of talent.
Whether on the field or off, Lionel Messi continues to shape the soul of Argentine football. His recent meeting with Tapia isn't just symbolic—it's a clear signal that Messi’s influence will endure far beyond his final match.
No comments yet! Be the first one to comment.
