Lionel Messi’s expected international farewell could coincide with another significant departure from Argentina’s national team, with experienced defender Nicolás Tagliafico hinting that his own career may also be approaching its final stage.
Messi has already indicated that his international career is nearing its conclusion. Argentina are scheduled to face Benin on 6 October at the Monumental in Buenos Aires, a fixture that could become the legendary forward’s final appearance for his country.
As attention turns towards Messi’s potential farewell, Tagliafico has offered a glimpse into his own thinking. The 34-year-old defender has not formally announced his retirement, but his comments suggest that he is increasingly aware that his playing career is entering its closing phase.
“I am at the end of my career, so I try to enjoy every moment as much as possible, because nobody knows when the final moment will come,” Tagliafico said.
The remarks have inevitably prompted speculation about whether the left-back could also bring his international career to an end around the same time as Messi. Tagliafico has previously made comments hinting at a possible departure, although there has been no official confirmation that the match against Benin will be his final appearance for Argentina.
Discussing Messi’s potential retirement, Tagliafico acknowledged the emotional difficulty of losing a player who has been central to Argentina for almost two decades. Messi has been a constant presence for the national side across several generations and has played a defining role in one of the most successful periods in Argentina’s recent football history.
“Things like this are always difficult. But that is reality. We have to accept it. At some point, it was always going to happen,” Tagliafico said.
He also pointed to Argentina’s experience after Diego Maradona’s departure from the national team. Tagliafico believes the country must remain strong and continue developing once the Messi era comes to an end.
For Argentina, the challenge will extend beyond replacing one individual. Messi has occupied a unique role within the national team for many years, meaning his departure will require players to adapt collectively and take greater responsibility.
“We had the best player in the world with us for 20 years. But we have to work hard for what is coming and continue progressing as a team,” Tagliafico said. “It is difficult to accept, but we have to keep moving forward.”
Tagliafico has himself been part of Argentina’s recent successes. The defender was a member of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup, giving him a direct connection to one of the most important achievements of the Messi era.
His comments come at a time when Argentina are gradually preparing for a generational transition. While Messi’s future remains the central focus, Tagliafico’s remarks suggest that other experienced members of the squad are also considering what comes next.
There is, however, no confirmed announcement that Tagliafico will retire from international football. His words point towards an awareness of his career stage rather than a definitive decision.
If Messi does make his final appearance for Argentina against Benin at the Monumental, the occasion could therefore carry an additional layer of significance should Tagliafico also decide that the time has come to step away. For now, though, the defender’s future remains undecided, leaving the focus firmly on what could be an emotional night for Argentina and its supporters.
