Legendary Argentinian must search for answers within himself ahead of this summer’s competition
When Lionel Messi won the World Cup in 2022 it was the fulfilment of a long-time dream, and the crowning moment of one of the most beautiful stories in the footballing world. The successor to Diego Maradona leading Albiceleste to their first victory since the glory of 1986, a passing of a baton, a crowning of the heir, the denouement of the gripping piece, the final stroke to complete the portrait of arguably the greatest player in the sport.
It was the perfect end to the tale. And yet in 2026 the Argentine maestro must decide again whether he will play for Argentina at the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico. Messi is 38 now and will turn 39 while the World Cup is underway, but he has continued going on the international stage. He was named in the Argentina squad for the friendlies against Mauritania on 27 March and Zambia on 1 April.
Albiceleste head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Messi will feature in both games and he did indeed feature in the 2-1 victory over Mauritania in Buenos Aires. But doubts remain as to whether he will be part of the squad for the title defence this summer, which will begin on 17 June against Algeria in Kansas City.
Night, rain and football at La Bombonera 🌙🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/UWaTXZJSNF
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 28, 2026
The reasons for the question mark, then? Messi has already featured in five World Cups, the last five, and holds the record for the most appearances in the tournament’s history with 26. The average age of retirement in football is 35, possibly younger at the international level.
At Messi’s age, fitness is a concern after all the rigours of club football with Inter Miami. It would make no sense to go to the World Cup as part of the 26-man squad if he would not be in the best condition to contribute positively to his side. And if he does not play, it means he ends his run in the tournament on a high after winning it in the last edition.
Last October, Messi admitted it was not guaranteed he would be part of Argentina’s bid to defend their title this year. “It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” said Messi. “I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my team, if I am there.
“I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start pre-season next year with Inter and see if I can really be 100 per cent, if I can be useful and then make a decision.
“I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last one, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team.”
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 27, 2026
Scaloni of course wants the country’s icon to be there, but the coach understands that this is a decision the footballing legend will have to make himself. “This is a question more for him but as far as I’m concerned, you already know what I think,” Scaloni said when quizzed about it. “I will do everything I can to make sure he is there.
“I believe that he has to be there, for the sake of football, but it’s not me who decides. It’s up to him, how he feels in his mind and his physical condition. It’s difficult because it’s not just Argentinians who want to see him: everyone wants to see him.
“And then we have the dilemma as his coaches when he’s there, if he’s able to play the whole game or if he’s not. I want him to be there, but he’s the one who decides. I’m not going to stand here and say, ‘Let’s see if I pick him or not.’
“He has earned the right to decide calmly. We are not in a rush. We know that whatever he decides will be the best thing for both him and the team. We hope he’ll be there but I can’t say much more.”
