Lionel Messi has officially said he won't be playing the World Cup 2026 for Argentina. The football icon fulfilled his dream by winning the tournament last year in Qatar. Hence, he can perfectly preserve himself by staying from the World Cup qualifiers. However, his commitment to Argentina truly shows what his country means to him.

Messi was in action recently in the World Cup qualifiers for Argentina against Ecuador. He once again was the star of the show as he scored a tremendous free kick to secure the win for the South American giants. Even at the age of 36, it is extremely tough to mark the Argentine icon. If you don't believe it, better ask Chelsea's new signing Moises Caicedo.

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The Ecuador midfielder won't mind finding it tough against Messi because he's not the first and certainly won't be the last. To get bamboozled by the former Barcelona man has become an honor for a footballer today. In the World Cup qualifiers, Caicedo tried to mark Messi. However, the former Brighton midfielder could only see the Argentine icon keep the ball away from his grasp.

As we have seen several times before, Messi dropped his shoulder to go one way before opting to turn. Eventually, he slowed down before picking up his speed, leaving Chelsea's most expensive signing struggling for answers. This was similar to what Messi did to Josko Gvardiol in the World Cup semi-finals last year. Caicedo was lucky to see that move not resulting in a goal. If Messi continues this form in the World Cup qualifiers, there is no reason for the former PSG man to continue playing for his country.