It looks like we'll be seeing more of Lionel Messi's magical moments on the international stage. Despite being 36, Messi has been in impressive form for Inter Miami, scoring 11 goals and providing 12 assists in just 12 games. However, the question "Will Messi play the 2026 World Cup?" is being asked by many fans. Although age is an undeniable factor, teammates like Lisandro Martinez and coach Lionel Scaloni still expect Messi to continue playing for the national team, not only in the 2024 Copa America but also in the 2026 World Cup, if his physical condition allows. Let's find out more about this issue with Win Tips Bet in the following article!
Messi is still the 'best' despite his age
Lionel Messi has always been praised not only for his technical skills but also for his tenacity and ability to maintain peak form. Even at the age of 36, he continues to excel in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami. Messi has scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in just 12 matches in the current MLS season, proving that he still retains his flair and relentless scoring ability. This shows that while age may be a factor, Messi's qualities continue to help him maintain his outstanding form.
In a recent press conference, Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez praised Messi. Martinez affirmed that Messi is still the best player in the world and added that his continued impressive form is crucial for the national team. Messi still maintains his love and enthusiasm during training sessions with the Argentina team, as reflected in Martinez's words: "He is very calm, more than anything, he enjoys each day."
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Messi and Coach Scaloni's View
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also spoke highly of Messi. Although age may affect Messi's ability to play, Scaloni does not see the 2024 Copa America as Messi's last tournament. In fact, Scaloni and Martinez both hope that Messi will continue to participate in international tournaments and, if possible, contribute to the Argentina team in the 2026 World Cup. This reflects the team's desire for Messi to be not only a symbol of Argentina but also an important driving force for their success.
Is Messi playing in the 2026 World Cup?
Messi's international career has been illustrious, highlighted by his leading role in victories at the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup. Since making his debut in 2005, he has become La Albiceleste's all-time leading scorer with 106 goals in 180 appearances.
The 36-year-old has previously spoken about the challenges of playing in the 2026 World Cup due to his age. He will be 39 by the time the tournament takes place. However, he has now left the door open, saying it depends on his physical condition and form at that time.
“It depends on how I feel, how physically I am, and being realistic with myself. There is still a lot of time… or rather, 'very little,' because time passes quickly, but there is still some time left, and I don't know how I will be at that time. Age is also a reality, even though it's just a number,” Messi revealed.
“The games I play now are not the same as those I played in Europe, where I played every three days, whether in the Champions League, the league, or in France or Spain. But it depends on how I feel, what I feel when I am with my teammates, and whether I am still at that level… let’s see,” he added.
Physical challenges and match schedules
One of the key factors influencing Messi's decision is the tight match schedule. Unlike his years in Europe, where he played every three days in tournaments like the Champions League, La Liga, or Ligue 1, he is now free from the pressure of frequent matches. However, this doesn't mean Messi can easily maintain peak performance throughout a tournament like the World Cup, which demands maximum physical strength and concentration.
Messi has mentioned that playing in international tournaments could be a big challenge for him at the age of 39. "The matches I play now are different from those I played in Europe, where I played every three days, whether in the Champions League, the league, or in France or Spain," Messi explained.
This means that recovery after each match, as well as the ability to maintain consistent form throughout consecutive matches, will play a decisive role in determining his participation in the 2026 World Cup.
Messi and his love for the national team
Despite all the physical and age challenges, Messi always shows his love and pride when playing for the national team. With his illustrious career, he has made a strong mark in the history of Argentine football, especially with his victories in the Copa America 2021 and the World Cup 2022. These are the greatest achievements of Messi's career, and he has proven that no matter his age, Messi can still shine on the field.
Lisandro Martinez's words about Messi reflect his teammates' love and admiration for him. Messi is not only an excellent player but also a symbol of fighting spirit and love for the national team. This is an important factor in helping Messi maintain his motivation to compete in the future, despite facing physical difficulties.
A few final words
Although we cannot be sure whether Messi will play in the 2026 World Cup, there is no denying that he is still a living legend of world football. The decision about Messi's future in this tournament will depend on his physical condition and form at that time. Regardless, Messi's love and passion for football will certainly continue to provide fans with memorable moments, whether he participates in the 2026 World Cup or not. Messi's story will always be a legendary part of football history.
