FIFA President Gianni Infantino Wants Lionel Messi To Play at the 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi completed his lifelong dream, after winning the 2022 World Cup. While the Argentine has won every major trophy in his career, fans are still eager to witness the maestro continue playing at the highest level. Their desires align with those of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who publicly expressed his hope for the iconic goalscorer to participate in the 2026 World Cup.

Leading up to the tournament in Qatar last December, the consensus was that this would be Lionel Messi’s final opportunity to secure a World Cup victory. Not only did he achieve this triumph, but also won the prestigious Golden Ball Award. This outstanding performance has only increased the desire of fans to see the 36-year-old have a go again on the global stage.

FIFA president wants Lionel Messi to play as long as he desires

Lionel Messi himself has not indicated retiring from international soccer anytime soon and has left doors open for appearing in the next World Cup. Speaking in a recent interview, Gianni Infantino was asked about his thoughts on Lionel Messi’s potential participation in the 2026 World Cup. In response, Infantino expressed his fervent desire, stating, “I hope to see Messi in the next World Cup, in the one after that, and until 2034.” He concluded his statement by emphatically declaring, “Hasta cuando quiera,” which translates to “Until when I want.”

It is clear that the FIFA president has no interest in letting go of arguably the best player of all time and wants him to play until 2034. This might seem like a far-fetched idea, considering the Inter Miami forward would be 47 years old by then and the aging injury saga has already started, but who knows? As for the 2026 World Cup, even Lionel Messi’s teammate believes he could very well play.

Messi’s teammate reveals the key to appearing in the World Cup 2026

A recent statement from Argentine left-back Nicolas Tagliafico added to the excitement about the prospect of La Pulga playing in the World Cup 2026. Recently, the fullback was asked about the key to Messi playing in the next World Cup. His answer was simple which was winning the Copa America 2024.

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Taglafico believes, “If we go to the United States and win the Copa America he will want to continue.” Seeing this statement, the fans of Lionel Messi and the FIFA president will surely hope for Argentina to lift the Copa America in America.

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