The claim was made after Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar. Lionel Messi will also play in the 2026 World Cup. It was his teammates who raised this demand. Midfielder Alexis McAllister said he wants to see Messi at the 2026 World Cup. Before the World Cup final, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez also expressed hope that Messi will be seen in the next World Cup as well. There was a reason for such words. Before the World Cup in Qatar, Messi announced that this will be his last World Cup. As such, it is unlikely to see Messi in the 2026 World Cup.
Messi won the World Cup for Argentina in the last World Cup of his career. The demand to see the 35-year-old star in the next World Cup has been rising ever since. 2026 World Cup will be organized in USA, Mexico and Canada. Scaloni reiterated that hope in a recent interview. He believes that Messi will play in the 2026 World Cup.
Scaloni spent only one season in his playing career at Spanish club Mallorca. But he has been living there for a long time with his family. Scaloni received a hero's welcome back in Mallorca after winning the World Cup.
Speaking about Messi in an interview with 'Deporte Radio Calvia', Scaloni said, 'I think Messi will play (2026 World Cup). It depends on him. It could be if he feels fit and wants to win more. The door (of the national team) will always be open for him. He is always a joy on the field and it will be great for us to have him.'