Messi, 39 during 2026 tournament, returns for another World Cup

Lionel Messi is set to return to the World Cup four years after leading Argentina to the title in Qatar, extending a career many expected had reached its international climax in 2022. He will turn 39 during the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, making him the oldest Argentine to play at a World Cup. The prospect reshapes Argentina’s title defense around the same player who finally lifted the trophy after years of comparisons with Diego Maradona. Messi had already helped drive Argentina to the Copa América title in Brazil before the 2022 triumph. The new campaign also underlines his longevity, from his breakout at Barcelona in 2005 to eight Ballon d'Or awards and a central role in some of the defining tactical shifts of his era.