Lionel Messi's International Future: Former Bolivia Captain Urges Star Not to Retire

Lionel Messi's international future continues to generate debate across the football world, with former Bolivia captain Marco Antonio Etcheverry becoming the latest high-profile figure to urge the Argentina star not to retire from international football. Speaking to Super Deportivo Radio, the former World Cup midfielder and MLS Hall of Famer said he believes Messi is still capable of playing at the 2030 FIFA World Cup, even suggesting that supporters from around the world should unite behind a global petition encouraging the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner to continue.

Etcheverry, who represented Bolivia at the 1994 FIFA World Cup and later established himself as one of Major League Soccer's greatest players with D.C. United, said he sees no reason why Messi cannot remain part of Argentina's plans for another World Cup. "I see him playing in the next World Cup. Hopefully he doesn't retire; he absolutely has to be in the next World Cup," Etcheverry said in comments to Super Deportivo Radio, according to MARCA. His remarks come as speculation continues over whether the 39-year-old will extend his international career beyond the 2026 tournament.

Etcheverry went a step further by proposing a worldwide campaign to persuade Messi to postpone any plans to retire from international football. The Bolivian football great suggested writing an open letter and collecting millions of signatures from supporters across the globe, arguing that the sport would not be the same without Argentina's captain. He said world football would lose one of its defining figures if Messi decided to bring an end to his international career and added that he does not believe the Argentine forward truly wants to retire. "A letter has to be written and signatures gathered from all over the world to ask him not to retire. You start thinking about world football without Messi and nothing will be the same. I think he doesn't want to retire," Etcheverry said.

Etcheverry also reserved special praise for Messi's performances at the 2026 World Cup, claiming the veteran forward had reached an even higher level than during his previous appearances on football's biggest stage. According to the former midfielder, Messi's displays throughout the tournament stood above every other player, despite being 39 years old. "It was better than all the World Cups he played in. It was far superior to the level of the rest of the players," he added, praising the Argentina captain’s consistency and dominance. Indeed, Messi delivered another historic tournament in 2026, scoring 8 goals during the FIFA World Cup, bringing his record-breaking career total to 21 all-time World Cup goals. He also led Argentina all the way to the final, once again underlining his enduring influence on the biggest stage in world football.

The former Bolivia international also defended Lionel Scaloni's side against any suggestion that Argentina lacked commitment during the latter stages of the tournament. Etcheverry described Argentine footballers as "born winners" and said he never doubted their determination to compete for victory, insisting the squad always approached matches with the intention of winning. "Argentine players are natural winners. I always trust them, and I firmly believe that they are fighting with all their strength to win every moment on the field," he stated.

Etcheverry's comments carry particular significance given his standing in South American football.

Nicknamed "El Diablo", the attacking midfielder enjoyed a distinguished career for Bolivia and became one of Major League Soccer's early icons after starring for D.C. United, where he won multiple MLS Cup titles before later being inducted into the league's Hall of Fame. His influence also extends beyond his playing career, with his nickname serving as the inspiration behind the "Diablito" moniker carried by several young South American footballers, including Argentine prospect Claudio Echeverri. Whether Messi ultimately decides to continue until 2030 remains unknown, but Etcheverry has now added his name to a growing list of former players and football personalities hoping the Argentine legend extends one of the greatest international careers the sport has ever seen.