Why the 2026 World Cup Might Be Too Far for Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has once again raised questions about his future with the Argentina national team, suggesting that the 2026 FIFA World Cup might be too late for him to participate. These comments came after a memorable performance where he scored two goals in a 3-0 victory against Venezuela, a match that many saw as his last on home turf. The remarks have started a new conversation about whether the legendary player will grace football’s biggest stage again. At 38, Messi is dealing with the physical toll of a long career, and a season with Inter Miami marked by frequent injuries is prompting fresh concerns about his fitness.
After the recent win, the Argentine captain was very direct about his situation. “I’ve said it before, it’s just logical that I probably won’t be playing in a World Cup at 39,” he told reporters. “It’s nine months away, which feels both close and far at the same time. I love this game, and I never want it to end, but the moment is coming. I know it will happen when it’s supposed to happen.”
In a clear move to protect their star player, head coach Lionel Scaloni has already decided to rest Messi for Argentina’s last qualifying match against Ecuador. This decision highlights the team’s priority of keeping their main man healthy.
This uncertainty comes just three years after Messi finally led Argentina to their World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022. That historic win fulfilled a long-held national dream and cemented his status alongside Diego Maradona as a football icon in Argentina.
With two Copa América titles, an Olympic gold medal, and a Finalissima trophy already to his name, along with records for being Argentina’s most-capped player and the second-highest goal scorer in international football, few would blame Messi for ending his international career now. However, if he does decide to play in the 2026 World Cup, he would have a chance to break the tournament’s all-time scoring record, as he is just three goals away from Miroslav Klose’s record of 16.
With Argentina already qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament in North America, the world is now waiting to see if its greatest player has one more challenge left in him. Whether he chooses to retire before 2026 or plays in another World Cup, Messi’s eventual departure will truly be the end of an era for both Argentina and the sport itself
