Lionel Messi added one of the football trophies he had never won to his incredible resume in December 2022 when he and his Argentina teammates won the World Cup in Qatar.
Now 37 and winding down his playing career at Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, the generational forward’s participation in the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA remains a mystery.
Messi will turn 39 during the tournament, and could very easily sit that one out to ensure his final World Cup action was lifting the storied trophy at Lusail Stadium.
On the other hand, it’s fair to say that if he decides to declare for the next one in a year and a half, he will be welcomed with open arms by players and fans alike.
One player-turned-spectator who expects to see him take in one more major global international tournament is Sergio Aguero.
Aguero played alongside Messi for the national side before retiring from football aged 33 in 2021 due to heart problems.
And the Manchester City legend told ESPN 12 (per Goal) that he is 100% confident that Messi will play a role in Argentina’s attempt to defend their crown.
โI think Messi will make it to 2026, he will take care of himself,” explained the ex-striker.
“Obviously he wonโt be the Leo he always was, but give him a few free-kicks or a few assists and he will make them.
“He can get there physically. If he wants to, he will, because he takes good care of himself.”
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How many World Cups has Lionel Messi played in?
Messi has played in five so far โ 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and Argentina’s victorious 2022 campaign.
In his World Cup debut tournament in Germany, the world wasn’t quite yet aware of just how good he could become.
Throughout the South Africa, Brazil and Russia events, however, he was one of the biggest names on display with many wondering if he would ever lift the trophy.
That question was finally answered at the last tournament, fulfilling a big mission for the forward.
If he plays in the North American edition in ’26, he’ll have appeared in six.
Why would Messi not play at the 2026 World Cup?
There are some pros and cons for Messi to consider.
If he does play at the 2026 World Cup:
- He’ll set the all-time record for most World Cup tournaments with six. He’s currently tied at five with Lothar Mattheus, Antonio Carbajal, Andres Guardado, Rafael Marquez and Cristiano Ronaldo
- There’s a chance he’ll play in a World Cup game at the home stadium of his current club, Inter Miami
- He can extend his all-time record of most World Cup games (26) over Matthaus (25), Miroslav Klose (24) and Paolo Maldini (23) while also keeping Cristiano Ronaldo (22) at bay should his career counterpart also go for a record sixth tournament in his early 40s
- Fan interest in his participation will be at fever pitch in the North American market
There are a few motivators for Messi to not declare himself for a sixth World Cup, however:
- He would be able to retire from football at the end of his current Inter Miami deal in late 2025, if he so desires
- His final World Cup contribution would be winning it, thus going out on the ultimate high
- Opening the door for Argentina’s young attacking talent to get invaluable experience, now that the 36-year-long drought has been ended
- If he does not feel at 100% come 2026, he can avoid the risk of ending his World Cup career on a sub-par note aged 39.
