Argentina captain Lionel Messi is weighing his international future after the World Cup final defeat to Spain, with Angel Di Maria urging him to delay retirement given Messi’s outstanding form in the tournament. Teammate Leandro Paredes and other reports suggest Messi’s decision isn’t settled and that a potential return for the 2030 World Cup remains possible, though some believe this could be his last hurrah. Messi’s immediate schedule features a rest period under FIFA and FIFPRO guidance, meaning he will miss Inter Miami’s next two MLS games and the MLS All-Star Game as part of a suggested 21-day recovery window. Inter Miami and Messi are coordinating the time off, with the 21-day rest postulated to protect players’ health while allowing for future returns. Messi is back in Argentina for a brief rest before rejoining Inter Miami, and his World Cup performance—eight goals and four assists—has solidified his status as one of the era’s defining players even as questions about his international future linger.