Lionel Messi World Cup 2026 saga and future plans

In late June 2026, 39‑year‑old Lionel Messi broke the all‑time World Cup scoring record with his 18th goal, surpassing Miroslav Klose as Argentina advanced. He told teammates he was not focused on retirement, taking each day as it comes, and analysts credited his training and recovery regimen for his longevity.

A locker‑room address released before the final against Spain showed Messi urging calm and outlining tactics to contain forward Lamine Yamal, quelling earlier speculation that the clip signaled an imminent retirement. Rumours also linked him to a possible move to Catalan club Cornellà, sparking debate about the club’s profile and youth development.

On 23 July, Messi indicated through Greek media that he will not retire from the Argentina national team in the immediate future. He plans to continue wearing the national jersey for the coming months and may decide later on participation in the 2028 Copa América, when he would be 41. The same day, former teammate Sergio Ramos posted a tongue‑in‑cheek Instagram photo beside two World Cup trophies, mocking Messi after Argentina’s loss to Spain in the final and recalling Messi’s celebrated 2022 trophy pose.

The tournament concluded on 19 July with Argentina’s 1‑0 defeat to Spain after extra time, Ferran Torres scoring in the 106th minute. Messi, playing what is likely his last World Cup, was seen in tears as the final whistle blew. Earlier in the competition he became the oldest player to record a hat‑trick and briefly matched Klose’s goal tally, while midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off before extra time, leaving Argentina with ten men. The loss marked the end of Messi’s quest to retain the title, but his legacy was celebrated for the record‑breaking performances and his role in Argentina’s historic run.