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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Infantino joked when asked about 2026 World Cup</li><li>2034 World Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia</li><li>Messi will be 47 in 2034</li></ul>

No rest for Leo! FIFA president Gianni Infantino wants Argentina and Inter Miami icon Lionel Messi to play at 2034 World Cup - aged 47

World Cup Qualification CONMEBOL

Argentina

Peru

Infantino had been asked whether he believed the Argentine icon would play at the next World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026. The FIFA president replied with humour and suggested he would like to see Messi keep playing <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/saudi-arabia-2034-world-cup-hosts-australia-bidding/bltc4fa1ac8fb39680c" target="_blank">until the tournament is held in Saudi Arabia in 2034,</a> even though the Argentina captain would be touching 50.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Speaking to <a href="https://twitter.com/DSports/status/1732248060288217548" target="_blank">DSports, </a>Infantino said: "I want Messi in the next World Cup, the one that follows [the centennial tournament in Morocco, Portugal and Spain] and the one in 2034 [in Saudi Arabia] as well. As long as he wants."

WHAT INFANTINO SAID

Messi was the star performer at the 2022 World Cup as he dragged his Argentina side to glory and cemented himself alongside the greatest players to play the game. The attacker was mesmerising as he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/messi--world-cup-history-argentina-captain-scoops-second-golden-ball/blt3d6564d03172f435" target="_blank">won player of the tournament in Qatar</a>. It is only natural that Infantino, along with the rest of the footballing world, wishes for Messi's greatness to continue forever - no matter how old he gets.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Given his age, Messi is unlikely to feature in the 2026 World Cup, let alone the 2034 tournament. Currently playing for Inter Miami, the great forward will return to the MLS next year before playing for Argentina in the Copa America.

WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

No rest for Leo! FIFA president Gianni Infantino wants Argentina and Inter Miami icon Lionel Messi to play at 2034 World Cup - aged 47 | Goal.com United Arab Emirates

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said he wants Lionel Messi to play at the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia - even though he will be 47 years old.