At the seasoned age of 36, Lionel Messi continues his extraordinary performance for both club and country. His playing style evokes in sports fans a profound desire to marvel at his prowess once more during the 2026 World Cup. However, recent information from Apple TV documentary titled ‘Messi’s World Cup: The Rise of a Legend’ has dampened these expectations. The 36-year-old himself announced that he played what should chronologically be referred to as his last World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

In 2022, the Argentine maestro fulfilled his lifelong dream by winning the World Cup. This dream of triumph was one of the main reasons why the Inter Miami captain came out of retirement in 2016. Now that his dream has been realized, the question arises: will Messi still choose to play once again?

Lionel Messi firmly believes 2022 was his last shot at the coveted gold

The documentary provided an in-depth perspective on the aspiration of a pre-World Cup winner, Lionel Messi, focusing particularly on his intent to secure victory at the 2022 World Cup. Given his age factor, La Pulga acknowledges that this may represent his last opportunity to win the coveted title. He explains candidly, “I will turn 36 in June, and because of the age factor, this will be the last World Cup in my career.”

It is undeniably poetic for the 8x Ballon d’Or winner to have fulfilled his dream at the last potential chance. However, fans are not ready to bid farewell to him just yet. Even FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed his desire for Lionel Messi’s involvement in the 2026 tournament.

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There remains substantial time between now and the 2026 World Cup. Who knows, this might inspire reconsideration from the Barca legend about further representation for Argentina on the biggest stage. Notably, he’ll reach 39 by next campaign’s commencement, and a former Argentina player is convinced Lionel Messi will indeed play.

Messi ‘will play longer,’ claims Argentine manager

As previously stated, there is growing speculation among many enthusiasts that the legendary Argentine should retire following the 2026 World Cup; a sentiment echoed by former Argentina player Ruben Darío Insua. During a recent discourse about Messi, Insúa shared, ”I think he will play longer after the Copa América.”

“When I No Longer…” – Lionel Messi Drops Retirement Plans in Apple TV Documentary ‘The Rise of a Legend’

“I am sure that Messi is going to play in the next World Cup,” the manager added. The final resolution lies solely with the Argentine icon himself. And based on recent developments, the outcome of the Copa America may influence his choice in 2024.

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