Lionel Messi is supposedly done playing in the FIFA World Cup after his triumphant victory in the competition In Qatar last month and finally lifting the trophy that had long eluded him in his illustrious, dazzling football career.
However, the latest news is Messi isn’t retiring from the national team just yet as the 35-year-old will allegedly still play and is most likely, barring injury, to compete in the 2024 Copa America and defend their trophy.
Regardless, the Argentine skipper’s former La Albiceleste’s team mate and former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero doesn’t want to see his bosom buddy Messi leave the national team and is pushing for the latter to lead the national honors in 2026.
Aguero appeared on ESPN’s F90 program Friday (h/t Infobae), where the ex-player believes that Messi can continue to be a part of the national team and help defend their World Cup trophy in 2026.
“If he continues with this routine, I think he can easily reach [the 2026 World Cup]; in the end, it’s all from the head, from the mentality,” Aguero said. “But you never know, out there, he wants to relax and he’s tired and you have to respect him. But for now, he enjoys himself. But taking care of yourself can … it’s three more years. In this World Cup he showed that being physically fit can be done.”
Messi will be 37 when the Copa America gets underway next year, and the Argentina captain will be 39 when the World Cup kicks off in North America in three years.
Although it appears unlikely, considering his age, that the veteran will be part of the 2026 team, there’s no doubt manager Lionel Scaloni would not hesitate to take him for that one last tango should the diminutive Paris Saint Germain and ex-Barcelona talisman be game for the rendezvous in the US.