As the footballing world turns its attention to the 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the conversation surrounding Argentina’s captain, Lionel Messi, remains centered on his enduring commitment to the sport. Now 38, Messi has made his stance clear: he intends to continue his professional career for as long as his body allows, dismissing the notion of an immediate retirement despite the physical toll of a storied two-decade career.
In a recent interview with Argentine broadcaster Joaquín “Pollo” Alvarez, the Inter Miami star emphasized that his competitive drive remains as sharp as ever. “I love playing football and I’m going to do it until I can’t anymore,” Messi stated. “I’m competitive, I like to win at everything, I don’t even let my kids win at video games sometimes. It’s just my nature and what led me to achieve everything I have.” This dedication comes as Argentina prepares to defend the title they secured in Qatar, aiming to become the first nation to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil achieved the feat in 1962.
Navigating Physical Challenges Ahead of the 2026 Tournament
The path to the 2026 World Cup is not without its obstacles for the reigning champions. Messi, who has appeared in five previous World Cups, is currently managing a hamstring issue that forced his substitution during Inter Miami’s final match on May 24. While the Argentina captain has been training individually at the team’s base camp in Kansas City, concerns regarding squad fitness extend beyond their talismanic leader. Head coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged the difficult reality facing his roster, noting that many players are not yet at full physical capacity.
The injury list includes key figures such as goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who is recovering from a fractured ring finger sustained during the Europa League final, and defender Cristian “Cuti” Romero, who is working back from a knee injury picked up in mid-April. Defenders Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel, along with midfielder Leandro Paredes, are navigating various muscle injuries. Despite these setbacks, Scaloni remains committed to the core group that secured success in 2022, opting to retain 17 of the 26 players from that squad.
“Why change them if they don’t deserve that? We’ve always been honest with them. The players who are here today have shown us they want to be here. And secondly, their level hasn’t dropped,” Scaloni told DSports. The coach has also integrated new talent, including Chelsea midfielder Valentin Barco, Como forward Nicolas Paz, and Palmeiras striker Juan Manuel López, while acknowledging the significant void left by the retirement of Angel Di Maria from the national team in 2024.
The Legacy and the Future of the Albiceleste
For Messi, the 2026 tournament represents a potential final chapter in a monumental international career. While he has not officially set a retirement date, his comments regarding a September qualifying match against Venezuela—which he described as his “last competitive match” at the Monumental Stadium—have fueled speculation about his future. Throughout his career, Messi has consistently deflected the pressure of being labeled the greatest of all time, preferring to focus on the collective goals of the Argentina squad.
Coach Scaloni, however, finds it difficult to envision a national team without its long-time captain. Reflecting on the emotional weight of the transition, Scaloni told the South American football confederation (CONMEBOL) that he prefers to remain focused on the present rather than contemplating a future without Messi. “I like to think he’s going to keep playing because otherwise you get sad,” Scaloni said.
Argentina’s campaign begins on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City, followed by group stage matches against Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27 in Arlington, Texas. As the team looks to balance their historical pedigree with the realities of modern tournament football, the focus remains on the pitch. With Messi holding the record for the most World Cup appearances at 26, the global audience waits to see if the Argentine icon can add to his legacy on the world’s biggest stage.
We invite our readers to share their thoughts on Argentina’s chances in the upcoming tournament and the enduring impact of Lionel Messi’s career in the comments section below.