World Cup: Diego Maradona celebrates Lionel Messi's goal
That’s the view of Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia.
Argentina were knocked out of the World Cup in Russia in the last-16 by eventual champions France after a thrilling 4-3 loss.
Argentina have struggled on the international stage in recent years, finishing second at the Copa America in 2015 and 2016 meaning Messi’s only international trophy is a gold medal from the 2008 Olympics.
Messi hasn’t appeared for his country since the World Cup and is not in the squad for two matches against Mexico during this international break.
And Tapia believes the Barcelona star is still rueing the missed opportunity over the summer.
"We have the best in the world [Messi], which gives you more possibilities to do better," Tapia said.
"[But] now is the time to allow him to chew the disappointment of what happened at the World Cup and I have no doubt he will continue."
Many believe the recent World Cup to be Messi’s last despite him being just 31 years of age.
Lionel Messi was part of the Argentina side knocked out of the World Cup (Image: GETTY)
Claudio Tapia has spoken about Argentina star Lionel Messi (Image: GETTY)
But former Argentina boss Sampaoli believes the Barca star will return and that he can help the nation to victory in Qatar in four years' time.
Asked if Messi can win the World Cup, Sampaoli recently told Marca: "Of course he can. But this needs a process, considering what has happened up to now.
"Processes don't break, they are corrected. For the next World Cup or Copa America, there needs to be organisation, unlimited confidence and to know what the process requires.
"In other words, if the Copa America is not won, we need to maintain that process and not break it.
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