Messi's 2026 World Cup Dreams: Can the GOAT Defy Time for One Final Dance?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draws near with Lionel Messi and Argentina's title defense serving as a central storyline for the upcoming tournament.
Currently, Messi is expected to participate with La Albiceleste in the competition. While age catches up to everyone, Messi has demonstrated no decline in performance since capturing the World Cup in 2022. The 38-year-old continues to excel with Inter Miami after recently securing a three-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until the 2028 season.
Argentina has already secured their World Cup qualification with under seven months remaining before the tournament begins.
Provided Messi stays healthy, he should remain in manager Lionel Scaloni's squad plans, despite turning 39 during the competition.
Messi, Argentina Target Historic Back-to-Back Victory
Argentina may have relieved themselves of the burden of achieving their first World Cup victory, but there's little question about their capability to mount another championship campaign.
Only two nations have achieved consecutive FIFA World Cup victories: Brazil in 1958 and 1962, and Italy in 1934 and 1938. Several countries have nearly accomplished back-to-back titles including West Germany, the Netherlands and Brazil once more. However, this achievement hasn't been realized since 1962.
Six different nations have claimed the title this century: Argentina, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Brazil. Les Bleus lead with three final appearances since 2002, while Germany and Argentina have each reached two finals during this period.
La Albiceleste maintains a talented squad beyond Messi. The team that claimed the 2022 title should retain most of its core players for next summer. Stars like Julián Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Emiliano Martínez, Enzo Fernández and Cristian Romero are expected to play crucial roles in any tournament campaign.
Additionally, emerging talent such as Franco Mastantuono and others could energize the squad.
Messi has collected sufficient trophies throughout his career to retire contentedly today, but defending the World Cup title could serve as the perfect capstone to his illustrious career.
When Will the 2026 World Cup Begin?
The expanded 48-team World Cup will deliver five-and-a-half weeks of spectacular entertainment for millions of supporters worldwide—and June 11 is the key date to mark on your calendar.
That's when co-host Mexico will begin their group stage journey at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Argentina, should they aim to duplicate their 2022 World Cup success, must advance from one of 12 four-team groups, with the enlarged knockout format requiring five consecutive victories to claim the title.
The World Cup concludes at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19—whether Messi will be present to cement his legacy as the greatest player of all time remains uncertain.