Lionel Messi. Just saying his name brings emotions, right? For almost two decades, he has carried Argentina and delighted the football world with his magic.
From Barcelona to PSG to Inter Miami, and of course that unforgettable World Cup win in 2022, Messi has done it all.
Over the past few weeks, Messi himself has spoken openly about his future. And honestly, his words show both doubt and hope. Let’s break it down together—fan to fan.
But now, the big question every fan is asking:
Will Messi play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
A Farewell at Home
Messi recently played what could be his final official home game for Argentina in Buenos Aires. The match was against Venezuela, and Argentina won 3-0. Messi scored twice, waved to the crowd, and you could see the emotion on his face.
Before the game, there was a ceremony celebrating him. The fans sang his name, banners filled the stadium, and Messi looked touched. For many, it felt like a goodbye—for now at least.
But was it truly his last home match in an Argentina jersey? That’s the part Messi isn’t sure about.
What Messi Said About 2026
After the game, Messi spoke honestly to the media. He admitted that at 38 years old (he will be 39 during the 2026 World Cup), it’s natural to feel doubtful. Competing at the highest level is tough, especially with younger players coming in.
At the same time, Messi didn’t close the door. His words were:
He still feels “excited and eager” about the possibility of playing in 2026.
He wants to take it step by step—see how his body feels during the MLS season and international qualifiers.
If he feels good, he’ll go for it. If not, he would rather step aside than struggle on the field.
That honesty is what makes Messi so special. He’s not promising fans something he can’t give. Instead, he’s keeping it real—he’ll only play if he can give his best.
Coach Scaloni’s Emotional Reaction
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, also got emotional when asked about Messi. He said if this really was Messi’s last home game, then Argentina should plan a proper farewell match.
Think about that—an entire game just to celebrate Messi’s contribution to Argentina football. A stage where fans, teammates, and the football world can say goodbye properly, whenever the time comes.
That’s how much Messi means. Not just as a player, but as a leader, a captain, and an icon.
Comparing to Last Year’s World Cup
Remember Qatar 2022? Messi finally lifted the World Cup trophy and ended all debates about his greatness. Many people thought that would be his last tournament.
But here we are in 2025, and Messi is still performing. In fact, he’s scoring goals in qualifiers, running hard, and proving age is just a number.
That’s why fans are hopeful. If Cristiano Ronaldo can still play for Portugal at 39, why not Messi for Argentina?
Messi’s Honest Approach
Messi also made something very clear:
If I’m not feeling well, I’d rather not be there.
This shows the professional side of him. He doesn’t want to be at the World Cup just for the sake of being present.
If he plays, he wants to play well, he wants to make an impact.
That’s good for Argentina too. Because you don’t want your captain struggling physically in such a huge tournament. Messi knows this better than anyone.
Fans’ Emotions
As fans, it’s hard not to feel emotional. We’ve watched Messi grow from a shy teenager at Barcelona to a World Cup-winning legend. The thought of him not being at the next World Cup feels strange.
At the same time, we should feel lucky. Not many players give us this long a journey. Messi has already given us four World Cups, countless goals, and unforgettable memories. If he decides to play in 2026, that’s a bonus gift for all of us.
Let’s be realistic too. If Messi decides not to play, Argentina will still move forward. They have stars like Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Enzo Fernández. The team has grown in confidence since the 2022 World Cup win.
But emotionally? It will be tough. For fans, watching Argentina without Messi will feel like the end of an era.
That’s why Scaloni’s idea of a farewell match is so powerful. Whenever Messi decides to step away, fans deserve one last chance to celebrate him on the pitch.
