Lionel Messi (36, Paris Saint-Germain), who led Argentina to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Will he be able to play in the 2026 World Cup when he turns 39? This is one of the hot topics in world football.
In this regard, Messi is not ruling out the possibility of changing his mind and showing an ambiguous attitude, saying, “It will be difficult to make 2026 because of his age.” This is from an interview with Argentinian publication ‘Diario Ole’.
Messi said: “I like football. I will keep doing it as long as I stay in good shape and enjoy football. I think it will be a long time until the next World Cup, but it depends on how my career goes.”
Prior to the opening of the World Cup in Qatar, Messi had previously 스포츠토토 said that it would be his last World Cup stage. The next World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico three years later.
Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni is also encouraging Messi to participate. In an interview with Spanish radio ‘Calvia FM’ last month, he said, “I think Messi can compete in the next World Cup. The door will always be open. He is happy on the pitch, and that will be good for us.”
Messi already holds the record for the most appearances (26 matches) in the World Cup finals. He broke Lothar Matheus (Germany)’s record for most caps by playing until the Qatar World Cup final against France. He is one of only five players ever to have played in five different World Cup finals.
Messi has scored 13 goals in World Cup finals, three behind Germany’s Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals. If he participates in the next World Cup, he may be able to renew it.