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 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 possibly 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 his 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 this season, proving that he still retains his flair and relentless scoring ability. This also shows that while age may be a factor, Messi's qualities still help him maintain his outstanding form.
In a recent press conference, Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez spoke highly of Messi. Martinez affirmed that Messi is still the best player in the world, and said that his continued impressive form is an important factor for the national team. Messi still maintains his love and excitement in training sessions with the Argentina team, which is clearly shown through Martinez's words: "He is very calm, more than anything, he enjoys the days every day."
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Messi and Coach Scaloni's View
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also has positive comments about 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, continue to contribute to the Argentina team in the 2026 World Cup. This reflects the desire of the entire team, that Messi is not only a symbol of Argentina but also an important driving force for the team's overall 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 hinted at 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 I am physically and being realistic with myself. There is still a lot of time… in quotes, ‘very little’, because time goes by very quickly, but there is still a little time, and I don’t know what I will be like at that time. Age is also a reality that exists, even though it is just a number,” Messi revealed.
“The games I will play now are not the same as the games I played when I was in Europe, playing every three days, whether it was in the Champions League, in the league, in France or Spain. But it depends on how I feel and 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. In contrast to his years in Europe, where Messi played every three days in tournaments like the Champions League, La Liga or Ligue 1, he is now free of the pressure of playing. However, this does not mean that Messi can easily maintain his peak performance throughout a tournament like the World Cup, which requires 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 will play now are not the same as the matches I played when I was in Europe, playing every three days, whether it was the Champions League, the league, 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 become a decisive factor for 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 the victory at the Copa America 2021 and the World Cup 2022. These are the greatest achievements in Messi's career, and he has proven that no matter what age, Messi can still be a shining star on the field.
Lisandro Martinez's words about Messi clearly reflect the love and admiration of his teammates 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 for Messi to maintain his motivation to compete in the future, despite facing physical difficulties.
A few final words
Although we cannot be sure about "Will Messi play 2026 World Cup?" (Will Messi participate in the 2026 World Cup?), but 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 bring fans memorable moments, whether he participates in the 2026 World Cup or not. Messi's story will always be a legendary part of football history.
