Former USA international Stuart Holden has predicted if Inter Miami captain will play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Argentina.
The 36-year-old attacker is due to compete in this summer’s Copa America, a tournament that could be Messi’s last for his national team, even with Argentine teammates like Julian Alvarez pleading with the forward to carry on.
Whilst Messi’s has played quite a lot for Inter Miami this season, the forward’s fitness has been an issue in some patches this year, with the veteran attacker being rested to just one game a week and not making long away trips.
And former USA midfielder Holden has now shared if he thinks Messi will play at the 2026 World Cup.
Messi tipped to play for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup
Speaking to Fox News, the pundit made the bold prediction that Messi, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo, will be at the 2026 World Cup for their respective nations, even if the Inter Miami star will be pushing 39-years-old.
Holden said when talking about Messi’s longevity and if the Argentine could play at the 2026 World Cup: “These guys rarely have had major injuries. If you look at Ronaldo, he’s probably got the body of a 21-year-old still in his physique.
“And yet, Messi has been able to evolve and change his game and adapt to his current physical restraints, which he still has that intense speed and acceleration and finishing ability.
“If we can ride this Messi vs. Ronaldo, in the comparison that has probably driven them internally as well in their motivation to keep pushing, and as long as they have that drive, there’s no reason these guys can’t still be playing at a high level for many years to come.”
2026 World Cup might be too much for Messi and Argentina
This summer’s Copa America could be a good indicator to if Messi will play for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, with the forward only this weekend returning to international soccer after six months away.
And whilst Messi could impress at this summer’s competition, the 2026 World Cup might be too much for the forward, who could easily call time with Argentina in the coming weeks.
Having already won everything there is to win for the national team, Messi could go out on a massive high if Argentina win the Copa America this year, with the World Cup in 2026 potentially one step too far.