Lionel Messi He added one of the football trophies he had never won to his incredible resume in December 2022, when he and his Argentina teammates won the World Cup in Qatar.

Now 37 years old and finishing his playing career with Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, the generational striker’s participation in the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States remains a mystery.

Messi will turn 39 during the tournament, and could very easily be sidelined to ensure his last World Cup action is lifting the historic trophy at the Lusail stadium.

On the other hand, it is fair to say that if he decides to declare for the next year and a half, he will be welcomed with open arms by players and fans alike.

One player-turned-spectator who hopes to see him participate in another major international tournament is Sergio Agüero.

Agüero played alongside Messi on the national team before retiring from football at the age of 33 in 2021 due to heart problems.

And the Manchester City legend told ESPN 12 (per goal) who is 100% sure that Messi will play a role in Argentina’s attempt to defend their crown.

“I think Messi will last until 2026, he will take care of himself,” explained the former forward.

“Obviously he won’t be the usual Leo, but give him some free throws or some assists and he’ll give them.

“He can get there physically. If he wants to, he will, because he takes great care of himself.”

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How many World Cups has Lionel Messi played in?

Messi has played in five so far: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and Argentina’s victorious 2022 campaign.

On his debut at the World Cup in Germany, the world was not yet aware of how good he could be.

However, throughout the events in South Africa, Brazil and Russia, he was one of the biggest names on display and many wondered if he would ever lift the trophy.

That question was finally answered in the last tournament, fulfilling a great mission for the forward.

If he plays in the North American edition of ’26, he will have appeared in six.

Why wouldn’t Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?

There are some pros and cons that Messi must consider.

If he plays in the 2026 World Cup:

• He will set the all-time record for most World Cup tournaments with six. He is currently tied at five with Lothar Mattheus, Antonio Carbajal, Andrés Guardado, Rafael Márquez and Cristiano Ronaldo.
• There is a possibility that he will play a World Cup match at the stadium of his current club, Inter Miami.
• He can extend his all-time record for most World Cup appearances (26) over Matthaus (25), Miroslav Klose (24) and Paolo Maldini (23) while keeping Cristiano Ronaldo (22) at bay should his career counterpart also sought a record sixth tournament when he was in his early 40s
• Fan interest in his involvement will be at a fever pitch in the North American market.

However, there are some reasons for Messi not to declare for a sixth World Cup:

• He could retire from football at the end of his current contract with Inter Miami at the end of 2025, if he so wishes.
• His last contribution to the World Cup would be to win it and thus remain at the top.
• Opening the door for Argentina’s young offensive talent to gain invaluable experience, now that the 36-year drought has ended.
• If he doesn’t feel 100% in 2026, he can avoid the risk of ending his World Cup career with a below-average grade at age 39.