Timeless Lionel Messi eyes last World Cup dance in 2026 | OneFootball

Argentina captain Lionel Messi conquered his final peak at the 2022 FIFA World Cup as La Albiceleste won the ‘Jules Rimet’ trophy in Qatar.

One of the world’s greatest ‘entered the galaxy of his own’ as poetically described by Peter Drury during the ceremony.

Messi cemented his ‘immortality’ in the sands of the Middle East, winning the most prestigious accolade that arguably made him the best football player in history.

Back then, La Pulga was still plying his trade in Europe, wearing the Paris Saint-Germain shirt in Ligue 1.

However, it’s been nearly two years since he left the elite European stage to join David Beckham’s Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

Life in North America has not derailed Messi’s ‘GOAT’ status, with the 37-year-old leading his country to Copa America glory last summer.

It was supposed to be his farewell international tournament, yet the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is seemingly unwilling to ride into the sunset.

Like his arch-nemesis, Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi is a natural-born winner and a fierce competitor, whose relentless pursuit of excellence knows no boundaries.

Last dance?

Messi’s clubmate, Luis Suarez, tickled the imagination of football fans by dropping a hint at the Barcelona legend’s intention to captain Argentina in the North American-held event in 2026.

“Jokingly, many times, but he [Messi] also has that desire to play in next year’s World Cup,” El Pistolero recently told El Pais.

“Obviously, after being away from the national team for a while, that desire is fading more on my side than on his, but we haven’t talked about it [retirement] yet.”

Though Messi is yet to announce his decision, Suarez’s statement has reignited hope among Argentina supporters that their iconic No.10 could lead La Albiceleste in one final World Cup dance.

At 38 by the time the 2026 edition kicks off, Messi, though past his prime, could make the ‘improbable’ the ‘predictable’ one last time before calling time on his illustrious playing career.

Numbers continue to soar

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano fuelled speculation about Messi’s final World Cup appearance shortly after Suarez’s shocking revelation.

“The physical side and the legs, I have no doubt about it,” Messi’s former Barcelona teammate said via Sporting News. “The mindset, too. But those are personal decisions.

“It’s his decision whether he’ll play in the World Cup or not. I don’t have to give my opinion. I can’t tell you because I’m not inside his head.

“What I can tell you as an Argentine, I clearly want him to play.”

Mascherano’s words carry additional weight, considering he has been close to Messi this season after replacing Gerardo Martino in the dugout.

La Pulga took MLS by storm in his first year with the Herons, racking up an eye-catching 20 goals and 10 assists across 19 matches during the regular campaign.

The start of the 2025 season has been equally prolific for the Argentina talisman, who already boasts eight goals and three assists from ten games across all competitions.

Skeptics would be quick to point out the quality of football in the United States’ top division, but even the most cynical observers cannot ignore Messi’s unparalleled brilliance.

One of a kind

Zlatan Ibrahimovic branded Messi as ‘one of a kind’ during an interview in the Manchester United shirt, and this description perhaps best illustrates the diminutive maestro’s timeless genius.

From Barcelona to Qatar, and now Miami, Messi continues to redefine greatness with every touch, reminding the world that true legends transcend eras and expectations.

La Pulga is the eternal ‘GOAT’ of football and fans should appreciate the opportunity to witness his unique talent while he’s still gracing the pitch – perhaps in North America for one last time.