‘We’ll See’ - Lionel Messi Sparks Panic in Argentina as He Offers no World Cup Guarantees After Farewell Match

Fans in Argentina are worried over the prospect of Lionel Messi missing the 2026 World Cup after the legendary forward hinted at sitting out next year’s tournament.

Argentina legend Lionel Messi has left fans in his country worried that he might not be present at the 2026 World Cup as the world champions defend their title.

Messi played his final competitive home match for Argentina on Thursday as he scored twice in their 3-0 thrashing of Venezuela in the South American World Cup qualifiers which guaranteed them top spot.

Lionel Scolani’s team enjoy a 10-point lead over second-placed Brazil and have already booked their ticket to next year’s tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada but there is uncertainty over whether the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will be present.

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Messi had an emotional farewell with fans serenading him as he exited in the most possible way but injuries have been hampering him in recent months, leaving him doubting whether he will be present at the 2026 World Cup.

“I don’t think I’ll play in another World Cup,” Messi said after the match, as quoted by Diario AS. “The most logical conclusion is that I won’t be, but here we are. I’m hopeful and eager. But it’s day by day, game by game.”

Messi Now Taking Game by Game

“This year we had a lot of matches, a lot of sequences of games. Luckily, I was able to play three in a row; it’s just day by day, feeling the sensations. It’s clear that today was the last one with points at stake here, but day by day I try to feel good and, above all, be honest with myself. If I feel good, I enjoy it. If I feel bad, I’d rather not be here,” he added.

Messi has missed eight games for his club Inter Miami this season but still managed 27 goals and 11 assists in 34 games but his fitness has been a concern. He is, however, grateful that his final home match with Argentina ended with a win and goals for him.

“A lot of things happened, and to be able to finish this way here was what I always dreamed of. Being able to celebrate with my people,” said the 38-year-old.

“For many years I received a lot of love at Barcelona, ​​and my dream was to also have it here, in my country, with my people. For many years, many things were said, but I’m left with all the good things we did. I’m left with the group that tried and failed to win, but then everything we experienced was beautiful.”

Messi, who has 114 goals in 149 games for Argentina, has been to five World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022), reaching the final in 2014 before finally winning it in 2022.