Will Messi play in 2026 World Cup

The World Cup began in 1930. It has been held as a festival every four years. The call of the 2026 World Cup is becoming clearer with time. Already, the last World Cup (2022) champions Argentina and five-time champions Brazil have secured their place in the exciting 2026 tournament. In the 96-year history of the World Cup, several thousand players have played their final qualifying matches for their countries. Nothing is more honourable than representing one’s nation.

Messi has played his last World Cup match for Argentina, and his country celebrated it in grand style. Football enthusiasts worldwide were riveted to that match, eager to witness the emotions, the passion, and the performance of the superstar in his final game. Veteran British football writer David Smith, who has followed world football for 75 years and covered 15 World Cups from the press box, cannot recall such an occasion involving anyone else in an Argentina shirt other than Lionel Messi. Over his long career he has not only written match reports but also numerous side stories.

Because it is Lionel Messi. He is incomparable, an extraordinary football star. People often say he is not of this world, but a star from another planet. In his career, the way he has been discussed, analysed, and desired – the list of players so fortunate and universally loved in football history is not very long.

Every player must one day leave the pitch, sometimes due to age, sometimes due to loss of form. By the time of the upcoming 2026 World Cup Messi will be past 39. Is this a concern for national duty? Yet, Messi still shines for Argentina like the midday sun. On 5 September, in Buenos Aires at the Monumental Stadium, Messi played magnificently against Venezuela in a World Cup match, led the country to a 3–0 victory, and scored two goals himself. After such a performance, is there really cause for worry or speculation about his form in 2026? This is Argentina, and the great Messi.

Argentina dreams of defending their 2022 World Cup title. Of course, it is a huge challenge. As the final round of the World Cup approaches, competition is becoming ever fiercer. Performance matters, but so does luck. For Messi the greatest risk is that even in a team game, he remains the central figure. All the focus is on him. He has lived up to that trust. He has given his country everything – yet expectations are endless. Argentinians now wonder whether Messi will finally take the field in the next World Cup. With his dazzling form, age must indeed be considered. Journalists asked him if he could play in 2026. Messi’s brief reply: “Let’s see.” It is hard to say where the end lies for a talent gifted by the Almighty.

It is reality that the home match against Venezuela was Messi’s last World Cup qualifier. He will never again have the chance to play in a World Cup (2030) qualifier. So his emotions in that final match were natural. Football has given him so much, and he will no longer play it in World Cup qualifiers, especially in the South American zone.

Tens of thousands came to the stadium, deeply emotional, to see Messi’s last qualifier against Venezuela. The thought was: what will Messi do in his final home game? Messi ensured the match would be remembered, with his football magic. He gave joy to the spectators. Naturally, he was under intense mental pressure, but even then the Prince of Football proved on the pitch that he is still the best. Still indispensable. Still enjoying the game as before.

Messi’s football career has not always been smooth and joyous. There have been many ups and downs. Alongside praise, he has faced criticism. But he kept fighting. He answered everything on the pitch. What stands out is his confidence, love, and passion for the game. At times negative campaigns suggested Messi was more committed to club football than to national duty. Messi never sought controversy. He did his work on the field as if it were a religious duty.

Messi’s international career spans 20 years. He has played 194 matches for his country. Scored 114 goals. Assisted 58. Contributed to 172 goals. Scored 10 hat-tricks. Won Copa América in 2021 and 2024. Lifted the Qatar World Cup in 2022. Won the Finalissima in 2022. FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005. Olympic gold at Beijing 2008. Won 46 man-of-the-match awards. Best player in six tournaments. Messi is his country’s second-highest international goalscorer. At club level he won 4 Champions Leagues, 3 Club World Cups, 10 La Ligas, and 34 titles in total for Barcelona. For PSG he won 3 titles, and for Inter Miami 2. A magnificent, colourful career. He has savoured joys he once never imagined. An emotional yet resolute Messi has always respected people’s expectations. Through his professionalism he has become a role model and inspiration for young players across world football.

Lionel Scaloni, head coach of Argentina, once played alongside Messi. He has had the opportunity to see and understand him closely. Frankly he has said: “There will be no successor to Messi in Argentina or world football. Perhaps some extraordinary players will emerge who define an era, but what he has done for so long will remain unmatched.”

The thrilling stories Messi has written in football will always be considered the most fitting. We shall wait to see this character, who has given so much joy through football, once again at the World Cup stage next year.

Ikramuzzaman: Columnist and analyst; former senior vice-president, AIPS Asia; lifetime member, Bangladesh Sports Press Association; and panel writer, Football Asia