Rodrigo De Paul Gives His Thoughts on Lionel Messi Playing in the 2026 World Cup
Lionel Messi will be 36 this summer and 39 when the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place in three years. However, the soon-to-be ex-PSG player has ruled himself out of the next tournament.
Nonetheless, Argentina coach Rodrigo De Paul has hinted that Messi may be persuaded to extend his international career with the country until the next World Cup.
"There's a lot of time left before the World Cup - three years is a long time," De Paul told TyC Sports. "What matters is that he enjoys being her and that he is always close by." We also need to qualify for the World Cup; there is a Copa America before that. He's going to see how he feels about a lot of things.
"The most important thing for us is the next friendly match and then starting the World Cup qualifiers well, which will be crucial." He can play until whatever day he wants, he's one step ahead of everyone, and he'll never lose that mentality."
Messi is expected to play in the 2024 Copa América, which will be held in the United States. The Argentine will be in the middle of his contract with Inter Miami, so he should be able to play.
Maybe if the veteran takes a back seat on the 2026 team, he can be a player-coach or leader. It will be interesting to see if Messi caves to pressure and plays in 2026, or if he decides that the 2022 World Cup was sufficient.
