Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward, has cast doubt on his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite scoring twice in Argentina’s 3–0 victory over Venezuela in the South American qualifiers.
Speaking after the match at the Monumental Stadium, Messi acknowledged the emotional weight of nearing the end of his international career. “I love this, I love playing, and I never want it to end, but the moment is coming,” he said, hinting at a possible farewell from the global stage.
At 38, Messi has been battling injuries and missed several matches for his MLS club, Inter Miami. Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Messi will not travel to Ecuador for the final qualifier, prioritizing rest and recovery.
While Argentina has already secured its spot in the 2026 tournament, fans worldwide are left wondering whether their icon will grace the pitch one last time on football’s biggest stage.
