With the countdown to the 2026 World Cup underway, football fans around the world are turning their attention to the future of one of the game's greatest legends, Lionel Messi. Amidst the speculation, the Argentine star stirred things up with a symbolic post on his official Instagram account, reigniting the debate about whether he will participate in the upcoming World Cup to defend his title.
The captain of the Argentine national team posted a photo and video of a World Cup trophy model made of Lego bricks, accompanied by a brief but powerful caption: "We did it." Inside the model, a small figure wearing the Argentine national team's sky-blue and white jersey is shown holding the trophy aloft. This seemingly simple scene was interpreted by millions of his followers as a clear message and an early indication of his desire to participate in the next World Cup, despite his previous statements describing it as "difficult" due to his age.
Historical context: The legacy of the 2022 World Cup
This gesture comes in the context of the historic achievement of Messi and his national team at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. After a career brimming with club titles, the World Cup trophy was the crowning jewel of his legendary career. Messi led Argentina to their third title after a dramatic victory over France in a final that is considered one of the most beautiful in the tournament's history. This victory was not just a title, but the culmination of a long journey of attempts and setbacks, silencing all those who had questioned his place among the greats of the game. After this victory, it was widely believed that Messi might be content with this glory and announce his international retirement, making any hint of his continued participation a momentous event.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Messi's potential participation in the 2026 World Cup carries implications far beyond simply being a player taking part in a tournament. Domestically , his presence would provide an immense morale boost for the Argentine national team and the entire nation, as the "Tango Dancers" would lead their title defense as a symbol of inspiration and continuity. Internationally , the presence of a name of Messi's stature, who will be 39 years old by then, would guarantee the tournament unparalleled media and public attention. Every match he plays could be a potential "final dance," attracting global interest and enhancing the commercial value of the tournament, which will be held for the first time in three countries (the United States, Canada, and Mexico) and with a new format featuring 48 teams.
This hint comes at a time when Messi is recovering from a minor injury, having suffered a strain in his left hamstring during a friendly match, prompting the medical staff to rest him to avoid any complications. This highlights the biggest challenge facing the Argentine legend: maintaining his peak physical condition for an exceptional season in which he prepares to defend his most coveted title.
