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Lionel Messi has not closed the door on participating in the 2030 World Cup, which would mark a record seventh appearance for a male player at the sport's most prestigious event.
Messi is currently taking part in his sixth World Cup, a men's tournament record he shares with Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa—though Ochoa has not always seen action on the field during his appearances.
Ochoa is set to retire following this World Cup, while Ronaldo has suggested he is unlikely to continue playing past 2027 when his current Al Nassr deal runs out. Questions had also surrounded Messi's prospects of reaching 2030, given his repeated reluctance to even commit to playing in 2026.
Yet Messi has made a stunning impact at this World Cup. The eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient, who marked his 39th birthday on Wednesday, has netted all five of Argentina's goals in the competition. In doing so, he has claimed the all-time record for most World Cup goals, now standing at 18.
Messi would be 43 during the next World Cup four years from now, which would itself set a new benchmark as the oldest outfield player in the men's tournament, eclipsing Cameroon's Roger Milla, who was 42 back in 1994. His club stint with Inter Miami is set to run for at least two more years, with his contract extending to 2028. By that point, Messi will already be 41, and 2030 is not far beyond that.
Messi Plans to 'Continue for Some Time'
Nothing is set in stone at this stage but, for Messi, another World Cup remains a possibility.
"I don't know. Honestly, I'm not thinking about that right now. It feels a bit distant but, as I've said, I'm taking things one day at a time and staying focused on the present," he told the media. "I will keep going for some time, as long as I can contribute, feel good physically, and help my teammates ... I will carry on playing."
Unless he is willing to announce a definitive end date for his career, it is the only response Messi can offer. And while it falls short of a firm commitment either way, supporters can at least hold onto the hope of one final 'Last Dance,' when many had assumed this year would be his farewell.
Argentina Co-Hosting in 2030
There is a compelling incentive for Messi to push through and make it to 2030—the opportunity to play a World Cup match on home soil in Argentina.
The 2030 World Cup will primarily be staged across the western Mediterranean, jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. However, as the centenary edition marking 100 years since the very first World Cup in 1930, the tournament will also feature special one-off co-hosts.
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Argentina has not hosted a World Cup match since 1978, the only occasion the tournament has been held in the country. One of three 'Centenary' fixtures will take place in Buenos Aires at Estadio Monumental, honoring Argentina's role as runner-up in the inaugural World Cup.
The remaining two 'Centenary' matches will be staged in Uruguay, the 1930 champion, and Paraguay, home to CONMEBOL's headquarters. Following those three opening games, the remainder of the tournament will shift across the Atlantic to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.