Copa America will not be Lionel Messi’s last international competition – says Manchester United and Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez.

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has recently dismissed any speculation that the 2024 Copa America will be Lionel Messi’s debut with the Argentina national team.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where the team is preparing for the tournament, Martinez emphasized that Messi’s calm and cheerful manner shows that he is not ready to retire from international football yet.

“He is calm, more than anything he enjoys every day. It’s good to be here, we all have a good relationship,” commented Martinez, highlighting the camaraderie in the squad. “We don’t see it [as his last tournament with Argentina.] We see him happy, and with an admirable quality. That’s what I can tell you,” via ESPN.

Despite Messi’s admission that participating in the 2026 World Cup could be a challenge, given that he will turn 39 at the tournament, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni remains optimistic. Scaloni has expressed his belief that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner can still qualify for the World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The legendary striker has been instrumental in Argentina’s recent success, leading the team to victory in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Since his debut in 2005, Messi has scored 106 goals in 180 international matches, making him Argentina’s top scorer.

Does Lionel Messi still have one more World Cup left in him?

Currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, Messi continues to showcase his incredible talent. He has scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in just 12 games this season. His contract with Miami extends through the end of the 2025 season, ensuring his fans will see more of his magic on the field for the foreseeable future.

Messi’s impressive performance has seen him challenge defenses around the world, but there are still a number of countries he has yet to score against. These include Hungary, Qatar, Norway, Angola, South Korea, Greece, Republic of Ireland, Costa Rica, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, Belgium, Russia, Iceland, and Poland. Despite this paradox, his goalscoring record remains unmatched.