Retirement date? Lionel Messi's Argentina future addressed by Julian Alvarez as Man City forward admits world champions are always 'better' with Inter Miami superstar on the pitch

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi will turn 37 in June, during another bid for Copa America glory with his country. There has been no sign of him slowing down at club level, with double figures reached for goals and assists this season at MLS side Inter Miami.

Questions continue to be asked, though, of how much longer the all-time great can continue – particularly on an international stage. There has been talk of him prolonging a record-breaking career with the 2022 World Cup winners through to the defence of that global crown in 2026.

Manchester City forward Alvarez is eager to see Messi play on for as long as possible, telling ESPN when asked if the talismanic forward will remain part of Argentina’s plans for the foreseeable future: “Let's hope so. He's going to decide until when, but we want him to be there, it's better.”

Messi is up to 180 caps and 106 goals for his country, with both of those tallies rewriting the history books. He has become the most decorated player of all-time, but a relentless desire to be the best has helped to see off any complacency and keep him at the very top of the world game.