Until a year ago, Lionel Messi carried the heavy burden of being perhaps the best player in history and still not being able to win the World Cup. But after the Qatar 2022 final, the debt was paid and “Lio” finally managed to shake off this “curse” in the final part of his career. With his impending retirement, more and more fans are asking the striker to stay active to enjoy his presence at the next World Cup. This group also includes the FIFA President himself, Gianni Infantino.
Recently, the head of the highest authority in international football was one of the guests at the so-called Conmebol Legends Match in Miami. When asked if he would like to see Messi at the 2026 World Cup, his answer made it clear how enthusiastic he is for the Argentine ’10’.
“I hope he makes it to the next World Cup, the one after that and also the one in 1934. As long as he wants,” said Infantino about the “Flea”. The manager has already expressed his admiration for Inter The Miami footballer has won several awards, in particular for his role in the “epic final against France” in 2022, as he described it in a publication a few weeks ago on his social networks.
Lionel Messi won his first (and so far only) World Cup in Qatar 2022. Photo: EFE
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How old is Lionel Messi?
However, Infantino’s wish would face a perhaps insurmountable obstacle. At the moment, Lionel Messi He is 36 years old, an age at which many players are already deciding to hang up their chimpanzees. In 2034, the Albiceleste idol will be 47 years old, two years older than former Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary when he set the record of being the oldest player in a World Cup (Russia 2018).
What did Infantino say about the 2026 World Cup?
About celebrating what follows World ChampionshipThe FIFA President was delighted that the event was able to be a success despite the changes made: the number of pitches was increased and it was played in three host countries for the first time.
“We are doing very well, everyone is happy, everyone agrees. In the 26th it will be the first World Cup with 48 teams, it will be huge. It will be here in America, in the United States, Mexico and Canada. “It will be a football festival, a complete success, I’m sure,” said the Swiss leader.