Lionel Messi is not done yet with the Argentina national team, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup seemingly a target for the Inter Miami captain.
Having won the Copa America this summer, the 37-year-old attacker’s international career seems to be winding down, even with Messi producing amazing performances for Argentina despite struggling with injuries for most of this year.
With Andres Iniesta saying Messi is also loving life at Inter Miami, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner could easily carry on playing into his forties if he can stay fit and he has the drive to keep playing for both his club and country.
And former teammate Sergio Aguero has detailed if he thinks Messi could play for Argentina that e2026 World Cup.
Aguero tips Messi to play for Argentina at the next World Cup
Speaking to ESPN F12, the former FC Barcelona striker shared his prediction that Messi could be part of Argentina’s squad for the World Cup in 18 months time, when the Inter Miami captain will be 39-years-old.
With Messi saying he won’t go into management after he retires, there is a real chance that the Inter Miami superstar could make it until 2026 and play for Argentina at the World Cup, where Miami is one of the host cities.
And Aguero is confident that his former national team teammate will still be playing when 2026 rolls around, even though the Manchester City legend admits that he won’t be the Messi we now currently know.
Aguero said: “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.”
Inter Miami and Argentina will hope Messi is still playing by 2026
Messi is reaching the final years of his career after becoming the most successful player in history and winning the biggest prize of all in the World Cup with Argentina two years ago in Qatar.
And for Inter Miami and the reigning world champions, they will be hopeful that Messi is still playing when the 2026 World Cup comes to North America, even though the forward will be pushing 40-years-old.
Indeed, Messi ending his international career in the United States would be poetic with the forward now the poster boy for MLS, and the forward might have plans to call it quits when the World Cup comes to an end.