FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi’s future with Argentina remains the biggest question in world football after his emotional performance in Buenos Aires. The 38-year-old Lionel Messi superstar scored twice in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Venezuela on September 5, but his post-match words hinted that fans may have witnessed the end of an era.
Messi, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, has yet to confirm whether he will play at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
An Emotional Night at Estadio Monumental
Before the match kicked off, Messi walked onto the pitch with his three sons to thunderous applause from over 80,000 fans at River Plate’s iconic Estadio Monumental. The atmosphere reflected not only his legendary status but also the possibility that this could be his last competitive game on Argentine soil.
After the final whistle, Messi admitted the moment felt like the perfect farewell.
“Being able to finish in this way here is what I always dreamed of,” he said, visibly emotional.
For Argentina’s passionate supporters, those words were enough to spark speculation about his retirement from international football.
Messi’s Careful Words on the 2026 World Cup
While his tone suggested the end might be near, Messi stopped short of making any official announcement about stepping away from the national team.
“We’ll see. I haven’t made a decision about the World Cup,” he explained. “I’ll finish the season then I’ll have pre-season, and there will be six months left. So we’ll see how I feel.”
These remarks leave the door open for one last World Cup adventure, but they also underline the physical and emotional demands Messi faces at this stage of his career. At 38, competing at the highest level means balancing club commitments, fitness, and recovery.
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A Historic Career with Argentina
Messi’s numbers for Argentina are staggering:
- Caps: 194 appearances for the national team
- Goals: 114 goals, the most by any Argentine player
- World Cup Titles: Led Argentina to its third triumph in 2022
- Copa América: Lifted the trophy in 2021, ending a long drought
These achievements cemented his status as one of the greatest international players of all time, silencing critics who once questioned his ability to replicate club success on the global stage.
Why Messi Might Choose to Step Away
There are several factors that could influence Messi’s decision:
- Age and Physical Demands
Playing at 38 is already remarkable. By the 2026 World Cup, he would be 39, an age where very few outfield players remain effective at the highest level. - Legacy Secured
Having won the 2022 World Cup, Messi has already completed the story arc that fans longed for. Any further participation would be a bonus rather than a necessity. - Family Priorities
Walking onto the pitch with his sons symbolized how important family has become for him. Choosing to step away from international duty could give him more time with them. - Club Commitments
Balancing travel, training camps, and qualifiers with club football is taxing. Prioritizing one might help extend his career overall.
Why Fans Still Hope He’ll Play in 2026
Despite the hints, many supporters remain optimistic that Messi will wear the Argentina shirt in North America.
- Cristiano Ronaldo Comparison: Ronaldo, 39, is still active for Portugal, proving that elite players can contribute even in their late 30s. Messi could follow a similar path, perhaps playing a reduced role but still making an impact.
- Global Stage Appeal: FIFA and fans worldwide would relish seeing Messi one last time on the biggest stage. His presence alone would elevate the tournament.
- Leadership Role: Even if not at his physical peak, Messi’s leadership, vision, and experience would be invaluable for Argentina’s younger talents.
Argentina’s Path Without Messi
If Messi does retire, Argentina will need to adjust to life without their iconic captain. Players like Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, and Enzo Fernández are ready to take more responsibility, while coach Lionel Scaloni will need to guide the team through a generational transition.
Argentina has strong depth, but losing Messi would mean losing a player who can turn any game with a single moment of brilliance. The question is whether the new generation is ready to carry the weight of expectations in 2026.
Conclusion: Retirement Still Unclear
For now, Lionel Messi has left the world guessing. His performance against Venezuela was a reminder of his brilliance, but his words carried the weight of finality.
He has not officially retired, but the emotional farewell at Estadio Monumental felt like the closing of a chapter. Whether he graces the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: football will never forget the magic he brought to Argentina and the global game.
For millions of fans, the hope is simple that the story of Lionel Messi on the world stage has one more chapter left.
