As Lionel Messi gracefully moves through the twilight of his career, many fans are left wondering: Have we already watched his final appearance on the international stage? The answer—for now—is a reassuring no.
At 38, the Argentine legend is still playing a crucial role for both his club, Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. Despite Argentina’s recent Copa America campaign possibly marking his last in that tournament, Messi has not officially retired from international football.
In fact, he’s expressed his desire to continue playing, even eyeing the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. His Inter Miami teammate and long-time friend, Luis Suárez, recently confirmed Messi’s intentions:
👉 Messi wants to play in 2026 World Cup
While Messi has acknowledged that these could be his “last games,” they don’t seem to be the last—yet. As reported by Sports Illustrated, there’s optimism that the legend will stay active at the top level through at least 2026.
👉 Messi hints at retirement—but not yet
His current MLS contract with Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2025 season, but talks are already underway to extend it into 2026—aligning perfectly with the next World Cup.
So, while the world prepares for the eventual farewell of a football icon, the curtain has not yet fallen on Messi’s global career.
There’s still magic left in those boots—and perhaps one more World Cup story to tell.
