• •Lionel Scaloni explicitly stated during an ESPN interview that the current period is the appropriate time for Messi to conclude his national team career.
• •The remarks follow Argentina's recent successful cycle, which includes a World Cup title and two Copa América trophies under Scaloni's tenure.
• •Scaloni’s own future as head coach remains unconfirmed, with neither the manager nor the Argentine Football Association providing a definitive contract update.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has publicly indicated that the window for Lionel Messi to retire from international football is opening. This marks a shift from previous years where Messi's participation was treated as a fixture regardless of age. However, the exact timeline remains speculative, as neither player nor manager has provided a firm date for a final appearance. Whether this signals a coordinated exit strategy or merely an honest assessment of physical longevity will depend on the team's upcoming World Cup qualifying results.