Lionel Messi, don't miss the 2026 World Cup!

The heartfelt comments after Argentina's 3-0 victory over Venezuela have raised concerns in the football world about the 2026 World Cup without legend Lionel Messi.

Messi is a surprise.

That night, the Monumental stadium was like a football cathedral. More than 76,000 Argentinian fans sang endless songs, their cell phone lights creating an artificial sky that fell upon the pitch.

There, Lionel Messi still possessed his magical footwork. His brace against Venezuela secured a convincing victory for the "Albiceleste," and also marked the end of a cycle: this could be the last time Messi plays an official match for Argentina in Buenos Aires.

Messi is considering not participating in the 2026 World Cup. Photo: La Nacion

“To finish like this here is exactly what I’ve always dreamed of ,” Messi said after the match. “ It’s always a pleasure to play in Argentina, in front of our fans . ”

He didn't shout slogans or make promises. Leo left behind vague words, just enough to make Argentinians worry: will the hero still be present at the 2026 World Cup?

Messi will be 39 years old when the tournament opens. He admitted: "The most logical thing to do is that I won't go there . "

The statement was brief and blunt, like a farewell wrapped in thin paper. Would the football world accept a World Cup without Messi?

The answer, at least from the stands, is "no." Because every time Messi is present, the World Cup becomes bigger than it was before. Looking back at Qatar 2022, the tournament will never be recounted without the image of Messi lifting the World Cup trophy.

Just a few months ago, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 – a tournament whose value had been questioned – gained considerable attention, partly thanks to Messi.

When he arrived in America with Inter Miami, the crowds erupted, television coverage exploded, and sponsors flocked in. FIFA knew that no other player had the ability to elevate a league to such a level.

Therefore, the thought of the 2026 World Cup taking place without Messi feels disheartening. Not only does Argentina need him, but FIFA and the football world need him too.

It's hard to imagine the 2026 World Cup without Messi. Photo: La Nacion

Because a World Cup is not just a test of physical strength and tactics, but also a stage for collective memory. If football is a universal language, then Messi is the last poet still capable of writing in that language.

More effort is needed.

Of course, no one can deny the fatigue that is taking its toll on his body. This year, Messi has been plagued by injuries, and his appearances for Inter Miami have been significantly reduced.

"I will decide day by day. If I feel good, I will play. If not, I won't be there," he emphasized. That's the honesty of a legend who understands he's not immortal. But football still has the right to demand another try.

Because the 2026 World Cup holds another value: the memory of a generation. Cristiano Ronaldo will be 41, Messi 39. They are a duo who have defined a football era for two decades.

If both of them were present, even on the bench, the World Cup would have an added layer of historical significance. A fitting farewell, a perfect finale for both of them.

Argentina today is no longer entirely dependent on Messi. Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez… are all capable of carrying the team. Because of this, Leo no longer has to carry the entire squad.

He could enter his final tournament as an icon, a deep-lying conductor, a leader who uses his intellect rather than his legs. As Maradona once said: "Don't ask me how much I can run, see how I inspire those around me . "

Fans are hoping to see Messi's dance moves in North America. Photo: La Nacion

It's also worth remembering that Messi has never been one to run away. After the defeat at the 2016 Copa America, he announced his retirement from the national team, only to return to fulfill his mission.

After winning the World Cup in Qatar, many thought he would retire, but Leo still wore the "Albiceleste" jersey for one more qualifying round. Deep down, Messi knew he still owed football a formal farewell.

FIFA, Argentina, and the whole world were hoping that this greeting would take place on American soil, before billions of viewers, instead of on a sad night in Buenos Aires.

The World Cup doesn't need another surprise; it needs a happy ending. That ending can only be written when Messi is on the pitch, even if only for a few minutes.

Football will never die without Messi, but its appeal will diminish over a significant period. The world is still waiting for Leo's tango, so they can say thank you to him.

Messi, never leave the World Cup!

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/lionel-messi-dung-roi-bo-world-cup-2026-2439940.html