Lionel Messi has once again left the football world holding its breath after casting renewed doubt on his World Cup future. The Argentine icon, fresh from scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Venezuela, admitted that the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada may come too late for him.
At 38 years old, Messi, now playing for Inter Miami, confessed that he is no longer looking too far ahead. Instead, he is focusing on the present, embracing each match as it comes.
“I said it at the time. I don't think I'll play in another World Cup. Due to my age, it's logical that I won't make it, but we're there and I'm excited. I'm taking it day by day, feeling the sensations. And what's clear is that today was the last game here,” Messi told reporters, leaving both fans and pundits speculating about his future.
Messi’s Age and the 2026 World Cup Question
The next World Cup will be staged across three countries, with FIFA’s expanded 48-team format making it the biggest edition in history. By then, Messi would be approaching his 39th birthday, an age at which most footballers have long hung up their boots.
While the Argentine captain has defied time and expectations with his performances, the physical demands of another global tournament make his inclusion doubtful. His admission that he is living “day by day” reflects not only his awareness of age but also the natural limits that even the greatest players face.
Argentina fans, however, will be hoping that the man who lifted the 2022 World Cup in Qatar can extend his international career long enough to defend the title. For Messi himself, the temptation to bow out at the pinnacle of his sport may outweigh the risks of pushing too far.
The Dream of Messi vs. Ronaldo: Is the Curtain Already Down?
For nearly two decades, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been at the center of football’s greatest rivalry. From El Clásico duels in Spain to Ballon d’Or battles, the pair elevated each other and reshaped the sport’s history.
The possibility of them sharing one last stage at the World Cup has been a dream scenario for fans worldwide. Yet with Messi openly questioning his participation and Ronaldo already 39, that vision appears increasingly unlikely.
Spanish journalist Tomás Guasch captured the sentiment of millions when he said:
“We were all very calm until Leo Messi appeared, questioning his presence at next year's World Cup. He says it's normal for him not to be there. But if that World Cup had any appeal, it was the final dance between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, in what would be one of the most tremendous and grandiose epics in the history of football and world sport.”
Guasch even joked about Messi’s importance to the spectacle: “I hope he plays in the World Cup even if he's embalmed. Because 48 teams are going to play, hundreds of players, and only Messi is missing? I think it would be a joke for football, and someone should intervene. You can't leave us alone.”
His words underline just how much Messi means not only to Argentina but to global football culture itself.
Scaloni Leaves the Door Open
For Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, the decision rests entirely with Messi. The Albiceleste boss has repeatedly insisted that Messi has earned the right to choose when and how he leaves the stage.
Scaloni knows better than anyone the value of having Messi in his squad. Beyond his goals and assists, Messi continues to inspire teammates with his leadership and calm presence. His influence stretches beyond the pitch, shaping the mentality of a team still basking in the glow of their 2022 triumph.
While the team prepares for Copa América 2024 and eventual World Cup qualifiers, Scaloni will undoubtedly keep a place open for his captain. But even he cannot ignore the reality of Messi’s words—each game might be a step closer to goodbye.
A Legacy Already Secured
Regardless of whether Messi appears in 2026, his legacy is untouchable. The 2022 World Cup win in Qatar cemented his status as arguably the greatest of all time, ending years of debate about international success. That moment, where he lifted the trophy surrounded by teammates and fans, will forever stand as his crowning achievement.
For Messi, anything beyond Qatar is an added chapter in a story that needs no further proof. But for fans, the hunger to see him one more time on the grandest stage remains insatiable.
What the Future Holds
As the countdown to 2026 ticks on, uncertainty clouds the possibility of a final Messi-Ronaldo showdown. Portugal’s star has shown little indication of slowing down in his club career with Al Nassr, yet he too will be battling age when the tournament kicks off.
For now, Messi is content with taking each step carefully, balancing his Inter Miami commitments with international duty. The world will continue to watch, wondering if the greatest rivalry in football history will get one last chapter—or if Qatar was already the perfect ending.
What remains clear is that every match Messi plays from now on carries extra weight. Each goal, assist, or dribble could be among his last in an Argentina shirt, magnifying the emotions of both players and fans.
As he himself says, the future is day by day. But for the football world, the hope of seeing Messi under the bright lights of the World Cup one last time refuses to fade.