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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><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>Captured a global crown at Qatar 2022</li><li>Expected to form part of that title defence</li><li>Showing no sign of slowing down in MLS</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Lionel Messi will make another World Cup aged 39 'if he wants to' – with Argentina & Inter Miami superstar mulling over his options ahead of 2026 event

World Cup Qualification CONMEBOL

Argentina

Peru

<p>Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi had suggested ahead of the 2022 staging of FIFA’s flagship event that he would be <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/explained-when-lionel-messi-2026-world-cup-decision-made-alexis-mac-allister-speculating-argentina-another-tournament/blt216172f80eb6b904" target="_blank">gracing a global showpiece for the final time</a>. He went on to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/watch-messi-lifts-world-cup-trophy-argentina-thrilling-penalty-shootout-france-goat/blt38b30d6ba3692fc1" target="_blank">inspire his country to ultimate glory in Qatar</a> – completing his medal collection in the process.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Messi has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-earned-right-retire-whenever-sergio-aguero-wishing-inter-miami-argentina-superstar-play-forever/bltacd7874ba1e43901" target="_blank">opted against announcing his international retirement</a>, with record-breaking tallies of caps and goals for Argentina being taken to 189 and 112 respectively. He has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-update-2026-world-cup-plans-argentina-inter-miami-united-states-mexico-canada/bltf7e8c8bcdba5ba36 " target="_blank">stopped short of making any definitive calls on his long-term future</a> with the Albiceleste.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The door is being left open for him to continue at the very highest level, with head coach <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/lionel-messi-2026-world-cup-argentina-boss-lionel-scaloni-positive-update/blt1f7b37dd1ecdf94f" target="_blank">Lionel Scaloni never going to rule Messi out of his plans</a>, but it remains to be seen whether the all-time great – who now <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/best-team-ever-mls-cup-or-bust-lionel-messi-inter-miami-argentine-superstar-signed-david-beckham-deliver-ultimate-glory/bltf1dde65891cd00ac" target="_blank">plays his club football in MLS for Inter Miami</a> – will form part of a World Cup title defence in the United States, Canada and Mexico.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Former team-mate Aguero expects his close friend to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-2026-world-cup-hint-last-tournament-message-manchester-united-argentina-defender-lisandro-martinez/blte5107699536b5b4d" target="_blank">make another tournament</a>, telling <a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/catalog/a8dea849-7efa-446b-b69a-31d2b500e7d8 " target="_blank"><em>ESPN 12</em></a>: “I think Messi will make it to 2026, he will take care of himself. Obviously he won’t be the Leo he always was, but give him a few free-kicks or a few assists and he will make them. He can get there physically. If he wants to, he will, because he takes good care of himself."</p>

WHAT AGUERO SAID

<p>Messi is only <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lionel-messi-inter-miami-contract-wages-cristiano-ronaldo/blt11e2d05b108b1895" target="_blank">under contract in Florida through to the end of 2025</a>, but that deal includes the option for a 12-month extension. He has seen <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/many-years-left-lionel-messi-cristiano-ronaldo-rivalry-former-usmnt-stars-alexi-lalas-stuart-holden-explain-why-goat-battle-continue-2026-world-cup/bltda9538095c917571" target="_blank">eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo play on to 39 and beyond</a>, with the Portuguese showing no sign of slowing down, and may decide to tread a similar career path.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

Lionel Messi will make another World Cup aged 39 ‘if he wants to’ – with Argentina & Inter Miami superstar mulling over his options ahead of 2026 event | Goal.com English Qatar

Sergio Aguero says fellow Argentine Lionel Messi will make the 2026 World Cup, during which he will turn 39, &quot;if he wants to&quot;.

Lionel Messi will make another World Cup aged 39 &apos;if he wants to&apos; – with Argentina &amp; Inter Miami superstar mulling over his options ahead of 2026 event