Lionel Messi Keeps Options Open for 2030 FIFA World Cup Participation

Messi's Future in International Football

Lionel Messi has not dismissed the possibility of participating in the 2030 FIFA World Cup, despite widespread belief that the upcoming 2026 tournament will mark his final appearance for Argentina. The 39-year-old star made these comments following Argentina's 2-0 win against Austria on June 21, where he scored both goals, securing the team's advancement to the knockout stage and confirming their position at the top of their group.

In a widely shared video, Messi responded to a reporter's inquiry about his future, expressing his intention to continue playing for several more years. He stated, "Yes, yes... I will continue for some time, as long as I can contribute, feel good physically, and help my teammates... I will keep playing." When asked about the 2030 World Cup, Messi admitted he wasn't focused on that distant future, saying, "I don't know. The truth is, I'm not thinking about that right now. It seems a bit far off... but, as I said, I'm living one day at a time and focused on the present."

Messi's Age and the 2030 World Cup

Should Messi participate in the 2030 World Cup, he will turn 43 during the tournament, making him the oldest outfield player to compete in World Cup history, unless contemporaries like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, or Edin Dzeko also choose to extend their careers. This World Cup will be particularly significant for Messi, as it will allow him to play a match on home soil, with Argentina hosting the opening game. As part of the centennial celebrations, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay will each host one of the tournament's initial three matches, before the event transitions to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco for the majority of the games, assuming the 48-team format remains in place.