The Lyon defender won the World Cup alongside the Inter Miami star for La Albiceleste in 2022 and admits that it will be an emotional moment for the country when the icon hangs up his boots.

Tagliafico told Radio La Red: "He's been playing (for) Argentina for 20 years. It's completely unusual. Nobody will be prepared for when Leo is gone. He'll decide when he's no longer there. Maybe once he stops playing, he'll stay on the coaching staff or have some role with the national team."

Messi has sparked rumours of a return to Barcelona after posting shots of himself inside the club's Camp Nou stadium last week but Tagliafico is unsure what the future holds for his compatriot.

He said: "There was a huge fuss about the photo he took at Camp Nou because it was a surprise. I don't know what the situation is, because of the Beckham Law. He could go during the MLS break, but I honestly don't know what he'll do. It's not easy either, especially with the World Cup so close. I don't think it will be simple."

Argentina will look to defend their title at next year's World Cup in North America and Tagliafico says the team will enter the tournament with self-confidence as the holders.

The defender said: "Obviously, being world champions, we have to prove it, but that spice, that mischievousness, is also good, because in the end, they end up respecting us. They have to respect us.

"People know the calibre Argentina has today. We earned it with our effort. Sometimes there's a bit too much talk, but we're fine, happy. If things are said, I don't know if it's anger or envy... Things are going well. We have to keep working."