He turned 39 in the middle of the World Cup. By the time the next World Cup arrives on home soil, he’ll be 43. Naturally, no one would expect a player to still be competing at that age — but then again, when the name is Lionel Messi, no possibility can be ruled out.
So, ahead of another final in his career, the question arises: will Messi be seen in Argentina’s jersey at the 2030 World Cup? Lionel Scaloni didn’t give a clear answer. Instead, the Argentine coach once again heaped praise on Messi.
Many wrote off a 31-year-old Messi after Argentina’s exit in the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup. But Messi didn’t stop there — at the 2022 World Cup, at 35, he was named the tournament’s best player and led his team to the coveted title.
Messi’s remarkable career could have ended there, but one of the greatest footballers of all time didn’t stop. Instead, he prepared himself for the 2026 World Cup, and even in this tournament, he has looked as sharp as ever.
The 39-year-old star has been the biggest architect of Argentina’s run to the final. The Argentine superstar leads the race for both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball, with eight goals and four assists heading into the final, following his heroics in the semi-final.
Given Messi’s form at this age, many have started wondering whether he could still play at the 2030 World Cup if he wanted to. Others believe Messi will call time on his international career after this year’s final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
However, there is no confirmed word on the matter yet. Lionel Scaloni himself said at the pre-final press conference that he doesn’t know whether this will be Messi’s last World Cup.
“Is this Messi’s last World Cup? How would I know! I have no idea — we haven’t talked about it. He never stops surprising us. To be in the final at 39, I think that’s unbelievable.”
Spain and Argentina will battle for the title at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday at 1:00 am Bangladesh time. The Albiceleste will go into the match aiming to win, but Scaloni believes that even if they fall short, Messi’s achievements will remain undiminished.
“We have to appreciate what he’s done… he has achieved something no one thought was possible a few years ago. It’s not easy to reach this stage, to compete at this level. Hopefully we’ll win — but even if we don’t, he’ll still be an example to everyone.”
