Even after dazzling performances, the greatest footballer of his generation, Lionel Messi, confronts the inevitable march of time, casting a shadow of doubt over his participation in the next FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi, a name synonymous with footballing genius, continues to defy expectations on the pitch. His recent two-goal spectacle against Venezuela for Argentina served as yet another testament to his enduring brilliance. Yet, beneath the surface of these remarkable displays, a more profound narrative is unfolding: the candid admission of a legend grappling with his own mortality in the unforgiving arena of professional sport. At 38, Messi`s reflections suggest that the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a tournament that could cement an unparalleled record, might just be a bridge too far.
The Persistent Whisper of Time
The Argentine captain`s statements following his recent international outing were as honest as they were poignant. When pressed on his potential appearance at the next World Cup, Messi`s response was not one of unwavering commitment, but of measured realism:
“Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won`t make it. But we`re almost there, so I`m excited and motivated to play it. Like I always say, I go day by day, match by match, going by how I feel. Day by day, trying to feel good and above all, being honest with myself.”
This isn`t the sentiment of a player winding down, but rather a frank assessment from someone acutely aware of the physical toll an elite career extracts. His current club commitments with Inter Miami, while yielding moments of individual brilliance, have also seen an increase in the frequency of muscular issues. Missing four games in July alone due to such ailments is a significant indicator. The upcoming ten regular-season matches for Inter Miami will only amplify the load on a body that has weathered countless battles across two decades.
The Unromantic Truth of Athletic Decline
For fans, Messi remains an almost mythical figure, capable of conjuring magic at will. But the athlete himself lives by a different truth: the unromantic mechanics of tendons, muscles, and recovery times. His philosophy of “day by day, match by match” is less about a casual approach and more about a calculated strategy to manage a finite resource – his physical capacity. It`s a pragmatic stance that separates the legend from the machine he is often perceived to be. When he states, “When I feel good, I enjoy it. But when I don`t, honestly, I don`t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don`t feel good,” he articulates a profound desire for authentic participation over mere presence.
The prospect of a World Cup without Messi feels inherently dissonant, almost an anachronism. For over two decades, he has been a central fixture, defining eras and captivating billions. The notion that an Ecuador vs. Argentina qualifier might quietly be one of his final competitive outings in the famous Albiceleste colors adds a layer of solemn significance to every touch.
The Elusive Sixth Dance
Should Messi defy the odds and feature for Argentina in 2026, he would achieve an extraordinary feat: becoming the first player alongside Cristiano Ronaldo to participate in six different FIFA World Cups. It`s a statistic that speaks volumes about longevity, consistency, and a relentless drive for excellence. However, this potential record is precisely what makes his current hesitations so compelling. It`s not a question of ambition, but of biological limitations intersecting with an unyielding will.
The coming months will serve as a crucial barometer. A robust MLS preseason in 2026, coupled with a healthy conclusion to the current season, will undoubtedly influence his ultimate decision. Until then, the football world watches, holds its breath, and savors every moment, knowing that each flicker of Messi`s genius could be one of the last in an Argentina shirt on the grandest stage.
Dominic Ashworth