The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the biggest tournament in football history. Hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, it will bring together 48 nations in a month-long spectacle. But for Argentina fans, the biggest question is simple: will Lionel Messi be there?
According to his long-time teammate and close friend Angel Di Maria, there should be no debate. For him, Messi must be part of the Argentina squad in the Football 2026, no matter what.
Di Maria’s Powerful Message
Speaking with passion and conviction, Di Maria made it clear that Messi’s presence is not just important, but essential. He insisted that regardless of Messi’s age or physical condition by 2026, Argentina needs him.
For Di Maria, Messi is not only a footballer—he is a leader, an icon, and the emotional heartbeat of the team. Argentina’s story at the FIFA World Cup 2026 would feel incomplete without him.
Why Messi Still Matters
Even at 39 by the time of the next World Cup, Messi remains the most influential figure in Argentina’s football setup. His ability to inspire teammates, terrify opponents, and change the course of games with a single touch makes him irreplaceable.
Di Maria compared Messi’s role to Diego Maradona’s influence in past generations. Just as Argentina looked to Maradona for magic, today’s Albiceleste still look to Messi for guidance and brilliance.
A Historic World Cup Awaits
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be unlike any before it. With 48 teams, expanded knockout stages, and global fanfare across three countries, the tournament will define the next era of international football.
To fans worldwide, imagining a World Cup of that magnitude without Lionel Messi feels unthinkable. Even if his role is reduced, his presence would carry symbolic weight. He represents a bridge between Argentina’s glorious past and its bright future.
Argentina’s Path to 2026
Argentina already has an exciting mix of established stars and rising talents. Players like Lautaro Martinez, JuliAn Alvarez, Enzo FernAndez, and Rodrigo De Paul provide a strong core. Youngsters emerging in Europe promise even more depth by the time the World Cup 2026 arrives.
But even in a squad full of talent, Messi remains the defining figure. His leadership, vision, and unmatched experience on the world stage give Argentina an edge that no other player can replicate.
The Legacy of One Last World Cup
Many fans considered Messi’s World Cup triumph in Qatar 2022 as the perfect ending to his career. But legends often go beyond perfect endings, they stretch the limits of what is possible.
For Di Maria, Messi’s presence at the FIFA World Cup 2026 would not be about winning another trophy. It would be about giving fans one last chance to witness the greatest player of his generation on football’s biggest stage.
Di Maria’s Voice of Experience
Angel Di Maria is not just any former teammate. He has played decisive roles in Argentina’s biggest victories of the last decade. The Copa America 2021 final, the Finalissima 2022, and the World Cup final in 2022.
His bond with Messi was forged in those moments of triumph and heartbreak. That’s why his words carry so much weight. He has lived alongside Messi’s greatness and knows better than most what Argentina would miss without him.
Fans Around the World Agree
Across Argentina and beyond, fans echo Di Maria’s plea. Many argue that the FIFA World Cup 2026 would lose a piece of its soul if Messi is not there. For millions, the World Cup is more than just a competition. It is a celebration of football’s greatest talents. Messi, even at 39, belongs on that stage.
Conclusion: Messi’s Story Isn’t Finished
Angel Di Maria’s message captures what so many already feel: Lionel Messi must be in the FIFA World Cup 2026, no matter what. The stage is set for the biggest World Cup ever. And for Argentina, there could be no better way to walk into it than with Messi leading the way, one final time.
Whether he plays every match, comes off the bench, or simply leads with his presence, Messi’s inclusion would mean more than tactics. It would mean history, legacy, and inspiration for a new generation of players and fans.