Could Lionel Messi Return for Argentina at the 2030 World Cup?
Lionel Messi has one World Cup title and two runner-up finishes from six tournaments. The big question now: will he play in the 2030 World Cup?
After Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 final, Messi managed a strained smile while shaking hands with U.S. President Donald Trump as he received his runner-up medal. But once off the stage, his slow walk and tears showed how much the defeat stung. Thousands of fans still inside MetLife Stadium saw this on the big screen and responded with applause.
Though that final didn’t go Messi’s way, the 39-year-old had an incredible tournament overall. He seemed to defy age, leading Argentina through the competition with skill that left younger opponents baffled. In the final, Spain’s defense was formidable, and Argentina struggled to break through. Messi took the first shot for Argentina only in the 117th minute, but it wasn’t enough.
Messi’s time on the world stage has always carried the question of when he would stop. That question is still unanswered.
What Has Messi Said About Playing in 2030?
Before the 2026 World Cup, Messi avoided confirming whether he would compete. Later he admitted he'd been planning his path through the tournament for a year. Unlike previous events where he suggested 2026 might be his last, this time he kept things open.
“I don’t know,” Messi said earlier that summer. “It seems a bit far off but I’m living one day at a time and focused on the present. I will continue for some time, as long as I can contribute, feel good physically, and help my teammates ... I will keep playing.”
During a light moment, Messi compared his career to a video game. “I already completed [the game] at the last World Cup,” he joked. “That’s it. The game is over. I’m done.”
No further comments came after the final, where he left the field alone, leading his team as always.
Coach Scaloni on Messi’s Future
Lionel Scaloni, Messi’s former teammate and current Argentina coach, spoke warmly about the veteran player. Their connection goes back to Messi’s brief debut in 2005, which lasted less than a minute before a red card, with Scaloni playing key passes even then.
“Messi is 39 years old, it’s incredible,” Scaloni said at the emotional final press conference. “He was very clear that he was going to play as long as he wants. I hope people are proud of what the team has done. He’s the best soccer player ever.”
Scaloni admits he doesn’t know exactly how long Messi will keep playing. “What do I know? Ask him,” he laughed. “He doesn’t stop surprising us.”
When Might Messi Retire?
If 2026 was Messi’s last World Cup, fans won't wait long to see him on the pitch again. He has a contract with MLS club Inter Miami until 2028, so he'll likely keep playing professionally for some time. That could mean he stays with Argentina through the 2028 Copa América, possibly held in the U.S.
The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted mainly by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with matches also in Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina itself. Given Messi’s deep ties to these countries—especially Spain and Argentina—it seems the tournament might tempt him to extend his international career into his 40s.
