“If We Go to the United States & Win”- Lionel Messi Could Still Play in FIFA World Cup 2026, Claims Current Teammate

The World Cup victory meant Lionel Messi completed soccer. Following his exit from European soccer, Messi was expected to retire from international duties. However, the ‘Little Magician’ is still going strong and has missed just one Argentina match after the World Cup and even bagged a stunning hat trick in a friendly. All of this begs the question of Messi’s participation in the 2026 tournament. Recent comments by one of Messi’s teammates further fuel excitement among the fans.

After leaving PSG, Messi has teamed up with David Beckham at Inter Miami. Despite playing for just three months, the former Barcelona man secured the Inter Miami MVP award. It is a testament to his alien-like quality. After winning the league titles at PSG and Barcelona, Messi will be hoping to replicate the feat at his new club, who are searching for their first league trophy.

Argentina’s ‘unsung hero’ hints at Messi’s participation in the 2026 tournament

Nicolas Tagliafico was undoubtedly a key reason for Argentina’s 2022 triumph. Recently, the ‘unsung hero’, as claimed by fans, was quizzed on the key for Messi featuring in the next edition. He said, “Winning the Copa America next year. If we had not won the World Cup in Qatar, he would have retired, but he achieved it and wants to enjoy these months”. He added, “If we go to the United States and win the Copa America he will want to continue.” It seems Tagliafico is confident that Argentina winning the Copa America in the US will be the spark Messi needs.

If Lionel Messi represents Argentina in the 2026 tournament, Tagliafico will be the happiest person. In 2022, the Lyon fullback expressed his admiration for Messi by claiming him as the ‘greatest’. He revealed, “I think Leo is the greatest. Hopefully he can win a World Cup and we can end, once and for all, this myth that he has to win one to be like Diego“.

Tagliafico’s comments indicate a change of heart from Messi. The Argentine’s previous comments regarding his career caused worry among soccer fans around the seas.

Read More: Lionel Messi Becomes 2nd Argentine & 4th Player to be Named Inter Miami’s MVP Despite Playing For 3 Months

Lionel Messi comments on his Argentina future sending fans in doubt

Messi had to wait 16 years for his first major title with Argentina. He even retired from the national team at one point. As a result, winning the Copa America and World Cup seemed the perfect conclusion to his story.

Messi himself remarked, “I achieved everything with the national team I always dreamed of. We won the Copa America [in 2021] and the World Cup, there’s nothing left“. One can say he looks to assess his physical condition before making the final call on World Cup participation.

Regardless of what happens, this is indeed the closing stages of his illustrious career. Do you think Lionel Messi will participate in the next World Cup? Let us know in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space