Argentina national team forward Lionel Messi has hinted at ending his international career after the 2024 Copa America. His teammate and fellow Argentina international Ángel Di María had already made similar plans.

"Let's enjoy what we are experiencing as a national team and as a whole team: reaching the final was not easy, but we can fight for the league title again. It was difficult, but we managed to do it," Messi said.

The 36-year-old superstar, who is Argentina's all-time leading scorer and most capped player, acknowledged that this Copa America could be his last major tournament with the national team.

"I share the joy of all this with others, I get immense pleasure from it and, like Di María and Otamendi, I understand that these are the final battles," added Messi.

Di Maria, who is also 36, had previously said the 2024 Copa America could be his last major tournament with the Albiceleste.

“I gave everything I had to this national team and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together,” Di María said. “But I also know that my time is coming to an end. I’m going to give it my all one more time and then it’s time for the younger players to take over.”

Veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi, who has been a mainstay of the Argentina backline for more than a decade, echoed similar sentiments.

“We’ve been through so much together as a group, ups and downs,” Otamendi said. “This could be our last chance to win a major trophy, and we’re determined to make it count.”

The potential retirement of Messi, Di Maria and Otamendi would mark the end of an era for the Argentina national team, which has enjoyed huge success in recent years.

Under head coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina won the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Copa América, ending their long wait for a major international title.

“These players have been the heart and soul of this team for so many years,” Scaloni said. “Their leadership, experience and quality have been instrumental to our success, and we will miss them sorely when they decide to hang up their boots.”

Scaloni acknowledged that the transition to a new generation of Argentine stars will be a challenge, but he remains optimistic about the future of the national team.