Messi has not spoken about his Argentina future since the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where La Albiceleste lost 1-0 to Spain after extra-time in the final.

The 39-year-old proved he can still perform on the international stage and was one of the top performers in the competition.

With the next Copa America two years away, there are doubts about whether Messi has played his final match at a major tournament for Argentina, and Tapia insists there will be no pressure on the Inter Miami forward to continue.

"It is entirely his own personal decision," Tapia said when asked if Messi will play at the 2028 Copa América.

"I enjoyed watching him on the pitch; he was the standard-bearer for this World Cup, just as he has been in every competition he's played in.

"He has to feel like it. Back in 2022, we didn't know if he'd be playing in 2026. He said he was taking it 'one match at a time' and we saw him at his very best, if not the very best.

"We should be proud of him. May he continue to enjoy playing football, and may we enjoy watching him, and may he make the decision he feels is right."

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, who has guided the country to one FIFA World Cup and two Copa America titles, has also remained coy on his future, but Tapia wants him to stay in charge.

"My plan A, my plan B and my plan C is Scaloni," Tapia said. "I want him to carry on; we all want him to carry on.

"I have to respect his decision; let him think it over and make whatever decision he believes is the right one.

"I can't keep him tied down if he feels he doesn't have the necessary drive or doesn't see a path to further success."