Jorge Valdano, a former Argentine star, stated that Messi talked about representing Argentina at the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be the sixth WC appearance.
As the FIFA World Cup 2022 ended with Argentina winning, Lionel Messi seemingly completed the trophy board. During the semi-finals, Messi made an official announcement that the World Cup final would be the player’s final World Cup game.
However, the left-footed genius might be willing to represent the national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At least Jorge Valdano, the former Argentine star, claims so. The former player recently talked about how Messi talked off-camera before the Qatar World Cup.
They discussed how this will be Messi’s fifth World Cup appearance, and no other player has ever appeared in six. Valdano recently revealed that Messi said that if they become the World Champions, the player will keep the national shirt on until the 2026 World Cup.
Is it possible to do so? “Most likely no,” said Valdano. However, if anyone can do it, it is Messi. The player broke multiple records during the Qatar World Cup, even becoming the runner-up for the most goals scored.
Messi now holds the record for the most World Cup appearances as well. The 35-year-old has worn the national uniform 172 times while scoring 98 goals. The player also helped the team win its third World Cup trophy, an achievement the team had craved since 1986.
As for the match that helped Argentina achieve, it was nothing short of a blockbuster. The match had it all, a comeback, neck-to-neck competition, penalties, a hat trick, extra time, and even a shootout.
Despite Mbappe’s valiant efforts, Argentina took the win 4-2 during the penalty shootout. Messi won the Golden Ball, making every football fan in the world proud.
