The 2026 FIFA World Cup might feel like worlds away, yet for Lionel Messi and Argentine, the next 18 months could fly by.
South America’s reigning champions as well as the current World Cup holders are early favorites for the tournament next summer, with Messi set to expand on his soccer legacy in the United States by turning out for the Albiceleste.
With Sergio Aguero backing Messi to compete for Argentina, the 37-year-old attacker is yet to confirm whether or not he will be part of Lionel Scaloni’s squad for next year’s competition, with the World Cup seemingly the perfect stage for the Inter Miami star to make his grand bow from the sport.
Indeed, Messi at the 2026 World Cup would be a fitting end for the forward’s international career, and Inter Miami teammate Oscar Ustari has now shared his verdict on if the reigning MLS MVP will play for Argentina.
Ustari hopes to see Messi at the 2026 World Cup for Argentina
Speaking to the press, the 38-year-old goalkeeper shared his eagerness to see Messi play at the 2026 World Cup, though Ustari admitted that his Inter Miami teammate does not talk about the subject that much despite how soon the competition is approaching.
With Argentina legend Juan Roman Riquelme also keen to see Messi at the World Cup next year, pressure for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to participate is starting to grow for the Inter Miami captain heading into the 2025 season.
And Ustari has now put his support behind his teammate taking part, with the goalkeeper saying: “We don’t talk much about it, honestly. Obviously, as a football fan, as an Argentine and as a friend of his, I would love to see him in another World Cup.
“I think he would be the only player who could play in six World Cups. It would be spectacular, but it will all depend on how he feels and how much he wants to participate.”
What records could Messi break at the 2026 World Cup?
As Ustari mentions, Messi taking part in the 2026 World Cup will make the Argentine the first player ever to compete in six different editions of the competition, a record the forward could make if he were to take part in the tournament, as well as Portuguese rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Moreover, Messi could extend his record as the biggest appearance maker at the World Cup finals, with the 37-year-old attacker already the outright leader in this stat ahead of Germany legends Lothar Mattaus and Miroslav Klose.
Messi’s fitness will likely be the deciding factor as to whether or not the Argentine will compete at the World Cup, yet if the Inter Miami star has a healthy enough 2025, there’s every chance that the attacker will be take part in the competition in the United States next summer.