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FIFA historical records show that only Italy from 1934 to 1938 and Brazil from 1958 to 1962 have won consecutive men’s World Cups, placing Argentina on the brink of joining them with a victory over Spain. A preview from BBC Sport outlined how the 39-year-old Messi has scored eight goals in seven matches during the 2026 tournament, positioning him just behind Kylian Mbappe in the scoring race. The forward added two assists in the semifinal comeback win against England, extending his career World Cup assist tally to 12 according to official data, a figure unmatched by any other player.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni highlighted his captain’s enduring excellence following that semifinal. “He is history, a legend. I feel proud, he is the best footballer the world has ever seen and reaching a final at 39 is something unbelievable – and that is why I said we must enjoy him,” Scaloni stated. “With Diego Maradona, we still miss him but Messi is still with us so we must enjoy him. I have no idea if this is Leo’s last game, you will have to ask him. We haven’t discussed it.”
Messi initially retired from international football in 2016 before returning to win the 2022 title and deliver another strong campaign in 2026. FIFA figures compiled across tournaments indicate that 15 of his 21 World Cup goals have come since his 35th birthday, reflecting a late-career surge at the global stage. Sports Illustrated reported on June 24, 2026, that Messi addressed speculation about 2030 by saying, “I don’t know. The truth is, I’m not thinking about that right now. It seems a bit far off but, as I said, I’m living one day at a time and focused on the present.”
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague assessed that Messi retains the drive to continue with the national team. “Even if you hear it is the end, I doubt it but we’ll see. I just see him with the national side, simply because he enjoys it,” Balague told BBC Sport. “I feel that he hasn’t said the last word yet. He finishes games, 120-minute games, at 39. The passion is still there. All of that means he’s not going to leave the national side.”
The 2030 World Cup will include matches hosted in Argentina as part of a six-nation arrangement, creating a potential home-crowd incentive for Messi at age 43 that Bleacher Report noted could prove compelling. Such participation would make him the oldest outfield player in World Cup history unless Cristiano Ronaldo extends his own career with Portugal. FIFA data confirms Messi entered the final as the competition’s leading appearance maker while holding records for most assists and for scoring or assisting in 11 straight games since 1966.
