Buenos Aires– In a shocking development to football fans, the Football Legend and considered to be the GOAT, Lionel Messi has shared his doubts related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on whether he would participate or not, in spite of Argentina’s early qualification.
The GOAT shared this after his legendary two-goal performance in a 3–0 win against Venezuela, which could potentially become his last game on Argentinian soil, sparking a series of debates among netizens and football fans who wish to see him on the global stage once again.
Lionel Messi, standing at 5 feet 7 inches at the age of 38, is now facing problems which come from age and recurring injuries, with a stop–start season at Inter Miami. The Argentinian star raised serious questions about how much he will be able to withstand.
The Football legend talked to reporters after the win, in which he shared his dilemma. He said that logically it was impossible for him to participate in the World Cup at the age of 39, even though the World Cup is only 9 months away, which isn’t very far away, but still it’s a long time.
He further stated that he never wants to stop playing football and wants it to go forever, but he is well aware of his physical capabilities, and his breaking point is coming, and he has accepted that it is bound to happen.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni has chosen to rest Messi for Argentina’s upcoming final qualifier against Ecuador next week, highlighting the coaching staff’s aim to maintain their star player’s fitness.
For Argentina, the uncertainty arises only three years after Lionel Messi’s peak achievement—winning the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. That victory ended years of national longing and firmly established his legacy alongside Diego Maradona in the country’s football history.
