Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, led Argentina to a historic World Cup victory in Qatar 2022. While fans celebrate this achievement, the burning question remains: will Messi grace the World Cup stage again in 2026? Despite initial indications that Qatar would be his final World Cup, recent hints suggest otherwise, reported by GOAL.

Lisandro Martinez's insight on Messi's Future

Lisandro Martinez, Messi’s teammate and a key defender for Argentina, has added fuel to the speculation. Martinez, confident in Messi's enduring passion and performance, sent a hopeful message about Messi's future. “He's very calm, more than anything he's enjoying the day to day. It's beautiful to be here, we all have a great relationship,” Martinez shared. “We don't see it [as his last tournament with Argentina.] We see him happy, and with an impressive level. That's what I can tell you.”

Messi remains an integral part of Argentina's plans, particularly as they prepare to defend their Copa America title in 2024. Martinez highlighted Messi's irreplaceable role, stating, “Playing with Leo, for us it's a very important plus. Everyone knows what Leo represents, he's the best in the world. Having him play for our team is without a doubt a plus. We are very happy to share the day to day with him.”

At 36, Messi continues to break records. With 180 caps and 106 goals for Argentina, his contribution to the national team is unparalleled. His presence not only boosts the team's performance but also inspires confidence and unity among his teammates. Martinez's words reflect this sentiment, emphasizing how Messi’s leadership and skill remain vital assets for Argentina.

Lionel Messi's upcoming challenges

As Messi gears up for another Copa America campaign, scheduled to start on June 20, 2024, he balances his international duties with his club commitments at Inter Miami. His performance in this tournament will be closely watched, as it might offer clues about his plans for the 2026 World Cup. While he has hinted at the possibility of bowing out after the Copa America, his recent statements and Martinez's comments leave the door open for a potential appearance in the next World Cup.

Messi’s legacy in football is already cemented, but his future decisions will add new chapters to his illustrious career. Whether he decides to continue until the 2026 World Cup or not, his influence on the game and his contributions to Argentina’s success will remain unmatched. His teammates, like Martinez, cherish every moment they get to play alongside the football icon.

As the football world waits with bated breath, Messi's decision about the 2026 World Cup will undoubtedly shape the future of international football. His journey, from leading Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 to potentially playing in 2026, is a story of passion, dedication, and unparalleled talent. Fans and players alike hope to see Messi continue to dazzle on the world stage, bringing his magic to another World Cup.

Lisandro Martinez’s insights provide a glimpse into Messi’s current state of mind and his potential plans for the future. While nothing is set in stone, the possibility of seeing Messi in the 2026 World Cup is an exciting prospect for football fans worldwide. As Argentina prepares for the Copa America and looks ahead to future tournaments, the enduring presence of Lionel Messi remains a beacon of hope and excellence. The football world watches eagerly, ready to support and celebrate every step of Messi's extraordinary journey.