5 September, 2025: The boy from Rosario wrote an absolutely magical story. Messi, who likely played his last match on home ground, is also uncertain for the World Cup. Messi is 38 years old now, and by the World Cup 2026, Messi will be only 13 days shy of his 39 years old birthday. The defending champions won their World Cup qualifier match against Venezuela with a 3-0 margin. The forward player scored twice while Lautaro Martinez netted the other as Argentina consolidated their top spot in the South American table.
While the age is not on Messi’s side, he is not really convinced about playing in the 2026 edition of the World Cup, which will happen in USA-CANADA-MEXICO. Inter Miami star has to face the retirement question again, and he gave an absolute logical clarification about his future with white and blue colours.
“As I've said before, I don't think I'll play another World Cup. At my age, it's only logical to think I might not,” Messi said after the match. “Day by day, I try to feel good and, above all, be honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it. But when I don't, honestly, I don't enjoy it - and if that's the case, I'd rather not be there. So we'll see,” said the former Barcelona star, according to reports.
“I haven't made a decision yet about the World Cup. Match by match, I'll finish the season, then have preseason, and in six months, I'll see how I feel,” he added.
"A lot was said over the years, but I'll keep the good moments we built with a group that tried but couldn't win it all, until it finally happened for me and a few from my generation. Everything we lived through was beautiful,” the Argentine legend continued.