The question on every football fan’s mind right now is whether Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers of all time, will play in the 2026 World Cup. From Messi himself to his coach Lionel Scaloni, and even his teammates, the question has been raised multiple times. However, Argentine football legend Juan Roman Riquelme has offered some reassurance, stating that Messi will indeed participate in the next World Cup.
Messi’s Legacy and Riquelme’s Confidence
Fifteen years ago, Riquelme passed down the iconic number 10 jersey to Messi. Though their time together on the Argentina national team was brief, the two share a strong connection. They even won an Olympic gold medal together in 2008. Today, Riquelme serves as the Vice President of Boca Juniors, while Messi continues to mesmerize fans worldwide with his magical left foot.
Under Messi’s leadership, Argentina won the Copa America in July. However, Messi has been sidelined for two months due to an ankle injury sustained during the tournament’s final match. Despite this setback, Riquelme believes Messi is constantly reinventing himself and has no doubts that he will be fit to play in the 2026 World Cup.
“You never know what Messi can do,” Riquelme said. “I have no doubt that he will play in the next World Cup—he must play. We will do everything possible to make that happen.”
Messi’s Determination to Continue Winning
Riquelme also mentioned that he occasionally speaks with Messi, though he tries not to bother him too much. “That’s why I believe he’ll play in the World Cup. He may not be in perfect condition right now, but he’s eager to keep winning,” he added.
With Messi’s relentless drive to succeed and his ability to bounce back from challenges, it’s hard to argue with Riquelme’s confidence. The football world is eager to see if Messi will take the field in 2026, potentially for his final World Cup appearance.
Conclusion
While the official decision on Messi’s participation in the 2026 World Cup is yet to be made, Riquelme’s optimism provides hope to millions of fans. Messi continues to inspire with his performances, and as he recovers from injury, the world eagerly awaits to see if the Argentine superstar will grace the grandest stage of football one more time.
