Lionel Messi stated ahead of Sunday’s final that it would be his final World Cup match, but it seems he could make a u-turn and appear in 2026, as revealed by his countryman Jorge Valdano.
The Argentina legend was part of the team that lifted the World Cup trophy in 1986 alongside Diego Maradona.
Messi had stated before the final that it would be his last World Cup match – win or lose, but stated immediately after leading the Albiceleste to their third title that he wasn’t ready to retire.
He will be 39 in time for the 2026 World Cup, with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni insisted his side would reserve a spot for Messi at the tournament.
Valdano has now claimed that Messi told him before the tournament in Qatar that he would be taking part in his side’s title defence, should they win the trophy.
“When I interviewed him before the World Cup, off camera he told me that he was going to play in his fifth World Cup and that no footballer had played six; he told me that it was impossible, and he told me “if I’m a World Champion I’ll keep my shirt on until the next World Cup,” he said, as per the Mirror.
“We will see if Messi is capable. Football has shown that it is practically impossible to play in six World Cups.”
