As Lionel Messi approaches what could be his final FIFA World Cup match, questions linger about his potential participation in future tournaments, including the 2030 World Cup. Messi's current World Cup campaign has been marked by significant performances, scoring eight goals in seven games and carrying Argentina to the final.
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague suggests that Messi might continue his international career, citing the player's enjoyment of representing Argentina. "Even if you hear it is the end, I doubt it but we'll see. I just see him with the national side, simply because he enjoys it," Balague stated. He also expressed skepticism about Messi continuing his playing career at Inter Miami in MLS while still performing at a high level internationally. Balague noted that Messi, at 39, has shown the stamina to play 120-minute matches, with a significant portion of his movement in recent games involving walking, indicating his passion for the game remains strong.
Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, lauded Messi as the greatest player ever, highlighting his historic achievements and the significance of reaching a final at his age. "He is history, a legend. I feel proud, he is the best footballer the world has ever seen and reaching a final at 39 is something unbelievable - and that is why I said we must enjoy him," Scaloni said. He added that discussions about Messi's future have not taken place, leaving it for the player to decide.
Messi's late-career resurgence at World Cups is notable, with 15 of his 21 tournament goals scored after his 35th birthday. Although he hinted at the 2022 final being his international swansong, stating, "I am very happy for finishing my journey in World Cups in a final, to play the last game in a final. That is really very gratifying," his continued strong performances suggest otherwise.
The 2030 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, could present a unique draw for Messi. With at least one game scheduled to be played in Argentina, the prospect of playing a World Cup match in front of a home crowd might influence his decision. If Messi were to continue until 2030, he would become the oldest outfield player to appear at a World Cup, at age 43, potentially competing with Cristiano Ronaldo for that distinction.