Lionel Messi refuses to rule out the idea of playing in the 2030 FIFA World Cup, although most people have assumed the ongoing 2026 campaign will be his last for Argentina.
The 39-year-old made the remarks after guiding Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday (June 21) with a brace that ensured the defending champions not only sealed qualification for the knockout stages but also confirmed their status as group toppers.
In a video going viral all on social media, Messi was asked by a reporter on his future plans and he promised to continue playing for a few more years. “Yes, yes… I will continue for some time, as long as I can contribute, feel good physically, and help my teammates… I will keep playing,” said Messi.
He was then questioned about playing in the 2030 FIFA World Cup; the Argentine replied he was not thinking that far ahead.
“I don’t know. The truth is, I’m not thinking about that right now. It seems a bit far off… but, as I said, I’m living one day at a time and focused on the present,” Messi added.
Lionel Messi At 2030 World Cup
Messi will celebrate his 43rd birthday during the 2030 World Cup, which will make him the oldest outfield player in the history of the competition to play the mega event unless the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, or Edin Dzeko also decide to keep playing.
However, the mega event will allow the highest goal scorer in the tournament’s history to play a World Cup match on home soil as Argentina is set to host the tournament’s opening game. For those unversed as per the centennial celebrations, Argentina, alongside Uruguay and Paraguay, will host one game each (the first three games of the tournament). However, the tournament will then move to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, which will host 99 of the 102 games (if 48 team format stays).