Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi had suggested ahead of the 2022 staging of FIFA’s flagship event that he would be gracing a global showpiece for the final time. He went on to inspire his country to ultimate glory in Qatar – completing his medal collection in the process.
Messi has opted against announcing his international retirement, with record-breaking tallies of caps and goals for Argentina being taken to 189 and 112 respectively. He has stopped short of making any definitive calls on his long-term future with the Albiceleste.
The door is being left open for him to continue at the very highest level, with head coach Lionel Scaloni never going to rule Messi out of his plans, but it remains to be seen whether the all-time great – who now plays his club football in MLS for Inter Miami – will form part of a World Cup title defence in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Former team-mate Aguero expects his close friend to make another tournament, telling ESPN 12: “I think Messi will make it to 2026, he will take care of himself. Obviously he won’t be the Leo he always was, but give him a few free-kicks or a few assists and he will make them. He can get there physically. If he wants to, he will, because he takes good care of himself.”
Messi is only under contract in Florida through to the end of 2025, but that deal includes the option for a 12-month extension. He has seen eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo play on to 39 and beyond, with the Portuguese showing no sign of slowing down, and may decide to tread a similar career path.