Will Lionel Messi play at the 2026 World Cup? It's the question every football fan wants answered. And now his national team coach, Javier Mascherano, has just made things very interesting.
After Inter Miami's preseason match in Colombia, Mascherano was asked the big question. His response? A simple but powerful "Yes, why not?" Those three words have sent the football world into a frenzy.
The Argentine legend hasn't officially confirmed his plans yet. But Mascherano's comments suggest the door is wide open. For fans hoping to see Messi defend Argentina's World Cup title, this is exactly what they wanted to hear.
Mascherano Explains His Thinking
The coach explained his approach to managing players. "I like to stay close to the players and, above all, understand how they feel," he said. "No one knows better than them how their body is responding."
It's a smart take. Messi will be 39 when the tournament kicks off in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The demanding football calendar makes fitness management crucial for older players.
But Mascherano isn't worried about Argentina's quality. "Argentina is going to approach the World Cup in the best possible way," he said. "They've been competing at a very high level for a long time and have extraordinary players."
For those considering tournament betting, Argentina remains a strong contender regardless. However, Messi's presence would undoubtedly boost their chances and likely shorten their odds significantly. His experience and leadership proved invaluable in Qatar 2022.
History in the Making
If Messi does play, he'll make World Cup history. He would join Cristiano Ronaldo and possibly Guillermo Ochoa as the only players to appear in six World Cups. That's an incredible achievement.
Messi already holds the record for most World Cup appearances with 26 matches played. Adding more games to that tally would put the record even further out of reach.
The mystery might continue until just weeks before the tournament starts. Messi has always been careful about his commitments. But Mascherano's words suggest the legend isn't ready to hang up his international boots just yet.
One thing's certain: if Messi confirms his participation, expect Argentina's World Cup odds to shift dramatically. The sight of the greatest player of his generation going for one final tournament run would be something special.
