'He is crazy' - Lionel Messi backed to play through to 2026 World Cup as Lionel Scaloni admits Argentina are still 'built around' Inter Miami superstar after his evolution into a midfielder | Goal.com India (2024)

FAQs

Will Messi retire in 2026 World Cup? ›

Messi has not set a date for his retirement and has kept the door open to playing in a sixth World Cup in 2026 to defend his title from Qatar. But he already recognizes his shortcomings. “I don't think about that yet.

Ronaldo simply has to make way for a younger forward before 2026, but the temptation of being at a World Cup will be too much for him to turn down. The only hope is that Ronaldo takes on the role of impact sub by the time it comes around -- and it might just him and Portugal much better.

FC Barcelona legend Lionel Messi revealed that Inter Miami will be his last club, and confessed that he is not ready to retire during an interview with ESPN. "Inter Miami will be my last club," Messi said. "I love playing football. I enjoy everything much more because I am aware that there is less [left to play]."

On Messi's World Cup debut, aged 18 years and 358 days against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006, he set up a Hernan Crespo goal just three minutes after going on and found the net himself 10 minutes later.

Lionel Messi has not officially announced his retirement yet but he is currently contemplating around it, according to latest reports following Argentina reaching the Copa America 2024.

The 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina has a contract with Inter Miami to 2025 with the option of a further year. "As of today, I think it's going to be my last club," the forward told ESPN. "I'm not ready to leave football either," he added.

“It depends on how I feel, how I am physically and knowing whether I'm at the level to be able to compete and help my team-mates,” Messi said when asked about his involvement in 2026. “There is still a long time until the tournament, but it goes quickly.

Argentina star Messi has scored 108 goals in 184 international appearances – both all-time records for his nation. With 130 goals in 209 games for Portugal, Ronaldo holds both the all-time men's records for international appearances and goals.

Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. will be 16 and eligible to play in the USA World Cup in 2026. Yes, Ronaldo Jr. will be eligible to play in the World Cup 2026 as he will be 16 years old.

WHAT MESSI SAID. Messi claims he would be able to do so if pushed, telling Abitare that his grasp of English is better than many give him credit for. He has said: “I understand everything, or almost everything in English. But out of embarrassment I don't speak - but I think I can actually.”

Is Messi hurt? ›

Inter Miami CF has provided an injury update presented by Baptist Health for captain Leo Messi. After a medical evaluation, it has been determined that Leo Messi has suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle.

Messi is the second highest-paid athlete in the world as of 2023, and has earned an estimated $1.15 billion in his career so far, according to Forbes. Messi owns a multi-million dollar real estate portfolio, holds lucrative brand partnerships, and even owns a hotel chain.

On his father's side, he is of Italian and Spanish descent, the great-grandson of immigrants from the north-central Adriatic Marche region of Italy, and on his mother's side, he has primarily Italian ancestry.

But he always says he's Argentine, and in sports, always cheers for Argentina. Lionel Messi is another good example, having moved to Spain at 14, and having been a Spanish citizen since before he became an adult.

Get ready for Messi's last dance

Lionel Messi will be 39 years old during the next World Cup, but with the tournament now so close, it is impossible to imagine that the Argentina captain will call time on his career before 2026.

Messi signed a record deal to join Major League Soccer that runs through the 2025 season. By that time, he'll be 38 years old. Considering he's accomplished just about everything possible in the sport already, and he's been battling injuries repeatedly, he's well aware that he's nearing the end of his playing career.

Whether that future will include the 37-year-old Messi is unclear. He previously implied he would like to continue with the team and has not definitively ruled out playing in the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, when he will be 39 years old.

Lionel Messi - Argentina

The Inter Miami captain is set to join La Albiceleste in its quest to defend the 2021 Copa América title. Messi will lead Argentina on Thursday, June 20, in the tournament's opening game against Canada in their first group stage showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga.

Inter Miami CF has provided an injury update presented by Baptist Health for captain Leo Messi. After a medical evaluation, it has been determined that Leo Messi has suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle.