Ezeiza, Argentina – Lionel Messi’s arrival at Ezeiza International Airport on Tuesday to join the Argentina national team for upcoming friendlies against Zambia and Mauritania was met with the expected fanfare, but also a subtle shift in the public narrative surrounding his relationship with Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia. The team is preparing for their final matches before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins June 11th, and Messi’s presence is, as always, central to the Albiceleste’s ambitions.
The arrival of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner wasn’t simply a routine team gathering. It followed a period of increasing scrutiny surrounding Tapia and the AFA, stemming from a reported judicial investigation into alleged financial irregularities. This backdrop has seemingly influenced the dynamic between Messi and the AFA president, a relationship that was previously characterized by frequent public displays of camaraderie.
Previously, images of Messi, Tapia, and Rodrigo De Paul sharing mate – a traditional South American caffeinated drink – were commonplace, symbolizing a close bond within the national team setup. However, those moments have become increasingly rare. There were no shared photos during the November friendly against Angola, at the World Cup draw in December, or even when Tapia attended an Inter Miami match to watch Messi play. A trip Messi took to Argentina during the holidays also didn’t yield a public meeting with the AFA president.
The contrast in social media posts following Messi’s arrival on Tuesday highlighted this shift. Tapia took to Instagram, sharing a remarkable 17 photos documenting the meeting, accompanied by captions like “Aura” and “¡Bienvenido, capitán! Llegó el mejor del mundo (y con los mejores mates)!” – “Welcome, captain! The best in the world has arrived (and with the best mate!).” Messi, known for a more reserved online presence, offered a far more understated response.
“La ilusión intacta, otra vez juntos,” Messi wrote – “The illusion remains, together again” – alongside three photos of himself in a simple black tracksuit, white t-shirt, and sneakers. In one of the images, Tapia’s hand is visible, partially cropped, offering the only direct visual acknowledgment of the AFA president’s presence. This subtle framing speaks volumes, suggesting a deliberate distance maintained by the captain.
The dynamic is particularly noteworthy given Messi’s recent activities. He participated in an event with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, an event he did not publicize on his social media channels. He also reportedly avoided a meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei. Now, a photo opportunity with Tapia was unavoidable, but the subsequent social media exchange reveals a carefully constructed narrative from both sides.
Argentina, currently ranked 2nd in the world by FIFA, will face Algeria on June 15th at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, followed by a match against Austria on June 20th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. They will conclude their Group J schedule against Jordan on June 25th, also at AT&T Stadium. These friendlies are crucial preparation for the defense of their 2022 World Cup title, won in Qatar.
The team, under the guidance of head coach Lionel Scaloni, is looking to build momentum heading into the tournament. Scaloni recently expanded the squad to 30 players, adding Franco Mastantuono, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Joaquín Panichelli, and Agustín Giay, while Gonzalo Montiel and Leonardo Balerdi were ruled out due to injury. The cancellation of the Finalissima against Spain and a subsequent friendly against Qatar forced the team to arrange these matches against Zambia and Mauritania as preparation.
The situation underscores the complex interplay between on-field performance and off-field politics within Argentine football. While Messi remains focused on leading his team to success at the 2026 World Cup, the subtle messaging surrounding his interactions with the AFA leadership suggests a carefully managed public image, and a potential distance from the current administration. The upcoming friendlies will be closely watched, not only for the team’s performance but also for any further indications of the evolving relationship between Messi and the AFA.
Argentina’s journey to defend their World Cup title begins in earnest this June. Fans will be eager to see how the team performs and whether the off-field dynamics will have any impact on their pursuit of glory in North America. The matches against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan will provide a crucial test ahead of the challenges that lie ahead.
Next Up: Argentina will hold training sessions in Ezeiza before departing for the United States. The first friendly against Zambia is scheduled for Friday, March 22nd, followed by a match against Mauritania on March 26th. Further squad announcements and travel details will be released by the AFA in the coming days.
What do you think about the dynamic between Messi and the AFA? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
