An Argentina legend has made a bold prediction regarding Lionel Messi's potential involvement at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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By the time the next global spectacle rolls around, the Rosario native will be 39 years old.
Currently, the diminutive icon is still at the top of his game, having helped La Albiceleste retain their Copa America title in July, with the 2021 title having been his first major honour in international football.
He has not struggled to adapt to life in Major League Soccer either, having scored 13 goals and provided 10 assists in the 14 games he has played in the league this season, and having helped Argentina win another continental title recently, many are tipping the reigning champions to retain their World Cup crown too.
While he may be on the cusp of 40 when football's biggest tournament makes its way to north America in 2026, one of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's former national teammates, Juan Roman Riquelme, has claimed that Messi will still have what it takes to make a significant impact for his side at the showpiece.
"Messi is reinventing himself. You never know what he can do," the former Villarreal star said on the AZZ channel.
"And I have no doubt that he will play in the next World Cup, he has to play. We will all be rooting for him to play. I don't tease him too much, but we talk a lot.
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"That's why I think he's going to play. He's very good, it's something that's not normal. And to that, he adds that he really likes to compete. He's won a lot and he still wants to keep winning."
