Will Messi Play the 2026 World Cup After Glory in Qatar?

• Lionel Messi was the man of the moment during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
• At 35 years old, it is unclear if the veteran will part of La Albiceleste in four years
• According to Argentina legend Jorge Valdano, Messi will be at the next World Cup

Questions are arising if Lionel Messi will be part of Argentina's squad, which will be defending the World Cup during the 2026 edition of the tournament.

Messi was in terrific form for La Albiceleste during their campaign in Qatar and played a central role in their triumph.

The Sun reports the South Americans were crowned champions last Sunday after they beat France in the final, following an epic penalty shootout.

The two football heavyweights settled for a 3-3 draw after extra time, with Messi netting a brace during the pulsating clash.

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The South Americans emerged the eventual winners after the shootouts, after the Europeans missed two of their spot kicks.

Will Messi continue with Argentina?

The World Cup was the only trophy Messi was yet to add to his already decorated football career, having previously won major honours.

The 35-year-old has twice retired from international football, and there are concerns he could hang his boots for good after tasting World Cup glory in Qatar.

However, according to Argentina legend Jorge Valdano, the PSG star will take part in the 2026 World Cup.

Valdano, who won the Mundial alongside Diego Maradona in 1986, revealed he has spoken to Messi about his future and all signs point at him captaining the side at the next tournament.

"When I interviewed him before the World Cup, off camera he told me that he was going to play in his fifth World Cup and that no footballer had played six," Valdano told Cadena Cope.

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Valdano added that Messi had revealed that if he became a world champion, he would keep his shirt on until the next World Cup.

GOAT debate is not over

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on fans sharing varied opinions on who is the football GOAT between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, in the wake of the 2022 World Cup.

The Qatar edition of the global football tournament was touted to settle the never-ending debate, as the two football greats made their fifth and likely final appearances in the competition.

Argentina's World Cup glory had many suggesting that Messi has effectively cemented his place among the all-time football greats.