 |
| Argentina's Lionel Messi can be seen against Venezuela during World Cup qualifiers at Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina, September 4, 2025. — Reuters |
Messi Shines Against Venezuela but Admits Future in World Cup Remains Uncertain
Argentina's Lionel Messi can
be seen against Venezuela during World Cup qualifiers at Estadio Monumental, Buenos
Aires, Argentina, September 4, 2025. — Reuters Despite scoring twice in
Argentina’s 3-0 win over Venezuela, Lionel Messi admitted that he remains
unsure about competing in...
On a night that should have been all
about celebration, Lionel Messi left fans with mixed emotions. The 38-year-old
Argentina captain, who scored twice in his team’s 3-0 victory over
Venezuela, admitted he is still uncertain about competing in next year’s
World Cup.
Messi, who has battled injuries and
missed stretches of games with MLS side Inter Miami, was candid about the
physical toll of continuing at the highest level. “In the past, I’ve said it
before—logically, it’s unlikely I’ll play in a World Cup at 39,” Messi told
reporters at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium. “It’s nine months away, which
feels close, but it’s also a long time. I love this game, I never want it to
end, but I know the moment is coming. It will happen when it has to happen.”
Even as Argentina dominated on the
pitch, fans couldn’t ignore the undertone of Messi’s words. While his
performance reminded everyone why he’s still considered one of the best in the
world, his cautious tone reflected the reality of an athlete nearing the end of
an extraordinary career.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni has
already chosen to give Messi rest for Argentina’s next qualifier against
Ecuador in Guayaquil, recognizing the importance of preserving his captain’s
fitness. Messi himself acknowledged that his ability to contribute depends
entirely on his condition. “When I feel good, I enjoy myself. But if I’m not
feeling well, I struggle. I’d rather not play if I can’t give my best,” he
said, reinforcing the importance of listening to his body.
For years, Messi has carried Argentina
on his shoulders, delivering unforgettable moments and culminating in the
long-awaited World Cup triumph in Qatar. But even for someone of his stature,
age and fitness remain factors no one can escape. “The most logical thing is
that I won’t make it,” he admitted when asked again about the possibility of
playing in 2026. “But we’re almost there, and I’m excited and motivated. As I’ve
always said, I take things day by day, based on how I feel.”
It was both a celebration and a
reminder of time’s inevitability. The fans at the Monumental saw Messi at his
brilliant best—scoring, inspiring, and embracing his teammates. Yet they also
heard the subtle acceptance that one of football’s greatest stories is nearing
its final chapters.
For Messi, the coming months will
determine whether he makes it to another World Cup. For Argentina, every game
with him on the pitch is another chance to cherish their captain. And for the
world, the question lingers: will we see Lionel Messi grace the biggest stage
one more time, or was Qatar the final bow?