It’s finally happened. Lionel Messi won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina, emulating the likes of Diego Maradona and Daniel Pasarella, who captained the national team in its previous successes.
At 35, Messi shone at Qatar 2022 by scoring when his team needed him the most and providing assists that proved crucial in La Albiceleste’s success. Was this his last dance with the national team?
Though the Rosario-born superstar said he wants to continue playing as a champion, he didn’t look further ahead in time. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, however, did address the possibility of seeing Messi in the 2026 World Cup.
Lionel Scaloni leaves door open for Lionel Messi to play in 2026 World Cup
“Messi should have a place in the next World Cup,” Scaloni said following Argentina’s shootout win over France, via @AlbicelesteTalk on Twitter. “If he wants to continue playing, the ’10’ will always be his.”
Messi would be 39 by the time the 2026 event takes place. Will he come back for a sixth World Cup appearance? It looks like it will only depend on him, as the head coach made it clear Messi can play for as long as he wants.
Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of soccer, NFL, and NBA, with a specialty in real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Editor, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis.
