Will Lionel Messi Compete for Argentina in the 2030 World Cup?

Lionel Messi has a World Cup title and two runner-up finishes from six tournaments. The question remains: will he return for a seventh?

After the 2026 final, Messi managed a strained smile while shaking hands with U.S. President Donald Trump as he accepted his runner-up medal. But as he left the stage at MetLife Stadium following Argentina's 1–0 loss to Spain, the weight of defeat finally hit him and tears followed.

The moment was shown on the big screen to thousands who stayed behind despite long trips home, earning applause from the crowd. Even though it wasn’t Messi’s day in the final, his performance throughout the tournament reminded many of his prime. At 39, he led Argentina through tough matches, outplaying much younger opponents and carrying the team to the final.

Spain's defense held firm, limiting Messi and Argentina's chances. Argentina’s first shot in the final came only in extra time, taken by Messi himself. Despite his efforts, the end of Messi’s World Cup journey appears near, though no final decision has been made.

Messi's Thoughts on Playing in 2030

In 2026, Messi stayed quiet on whether he’d compete again until right before the tournament, later revealing he had planned his approach for over a year. Unlike previous times when he hinted the 2026 World Cup would be his last only to change his mind, he now takes a more measured view.

“I don’t know,” Messi said earlier this summer. “It seems far off but I’m living one day at a time and focused on the present. I will keep playing as long as I can contribute, feel good physically, and help my teammates.”

He joked about life being like a video game during a chat with a reporter, saying, “I already completed [the game] at the last World Cup. That’s it. The game is over. I’m done.” After the final, Messi offered no further comments, leaving fans to wonder what’s next.

Messi’s World Cup Stats

Lionel Scaloni, who first played alongside Messi in 2005, has watched the star closely for years. He says Messi follows his own clock.

“Messi is 39 years old, it’s incredible. He was very clear that he was going to play as long as he wants. I hope people are proud of their team, of what they’ve done. He’s the best soccer player to ever step onto a pitch.”

When asked about Messi’s timeline, Scaloni laughed, “What do I know? Ask him. I don’t have the faintest idea. He doesn’t stop surprising us.”

When Might Messi Retire?

If 2026 was Messi’s final World Cup, fans won’t wait long to see him play again. He remains under contract with MLS club Inter Miami until the end of 2028. While this contract ends before the next World Cup, it could influence him to keep playing internationally through the 2028 Copa América, which may also take place in the U.S.

The 2030 World Cup will be hosted mainly by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with some matches in Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. Since Messi spent much of his career in Spain, and with Argentina hosting part of the tournament, it almost feels like FIFA designed the event to tempt Messi into extending his international career well into his 40s.