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It is unclear whether Messi will attend the 2026 World Cup. |
Recent signals from the 38-year-old superstar are raising concerns that a farewell is coming. In a recent interview with the Simplemente Futbol program, Messi expressed his hesitation about his future with the Argentina team for the first time.
“Really when you think about it, although it’s a long way off, it’s coming very quickly, right?” Messi said, his voice quiet. “This year will be very important for me, to be able to play continuously and feel good.”
The image of Messi kneeling on the Lusail field, tears in his eyes when the final whistle of the 2022 World Cup final sounded, is still imprinted in the minds of fans around the world. It was the pinnacle moment, when "El Pulga" finally touched the prestigious gold cup after many years of waiting and trying.
"I think about it and I will wait, but I don't want to set a specific goal," Messi said frankly. "I will take it step by step and see how I feel, the important thing is to be honest with myself."
After winning the title in Qatar, the 1987-born star once declared that it would be the last World Cup of his career. However, continuous success with Inter Miami and continuing to shine with Argentina at the 2024 Copa America have raised hopes of his appearance at the 2026 tournament.
When the 2026 World Cup kicks off in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Messi will be 39 years old - an age when few players can maintain peak form, especially in the most physically demanding tournament on the planet.
Additionally, Messi's contract with Inter Miami expires at the end of 2025, just months before the World Cup, raising questions about his club future.
"Last year, I came into the season, started a few games and then had to miss a few games because I was injured or didn't feel completely fit," Messi said. "This time, I started the season well and I feel fine."
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Messi is still maintaining stable form at the age of 37. |
Despite being absent from Argentina's 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in March, Messi has been in impressive form with three goals and two assists in six MLS games, helping Inter Miami reach the Concacaf Champions Cup semi-finals.
With 112 goals in 191 appearances for his country, Messi remains Argentina's talisman. Even at 39, his place in the team is guaranteed - as long as he wants to play.
Close teammate Luis Suárez also appeared cautious when asked about Messi's future: "No, I didn't ask him about that... I know Messi and know he won't want to talk about this. Time will tell."
From June 11 to July 19, 2026, the eyes of the football world will be on North America, where 48 teams will compete in the historic World Cup. And fans will still be waiting for the answer to one big question: Will the biggest football festival on the planet witness the final performance of one of the greatest geniuses in history?
Perhaps as Suárez said - time will tell. But whatever Messi's decision, his legacy in the hearts of fans will never fade.
Source: https://znews.vn/messi-gay-soc-voi-tuyen-bo-ve-world-cup-2026-post1547326.html
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