Lionel Messi has no intention of retiring anytime soon. “I love playing football, and I will keep doing it until I simply can’t anymore,” the 38-year-old Argentine said in a YouTube interview with Pollo Alvarez. His contract with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami runs through the end of 2028, when he will be 41 years old.
Seventeen players aged 39 or older have previously taken part in a World Cup. With Argentina, Messi will look to defend the title in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He offered a realistic assessment of his team’s chances: “We know a World Cup is always complicated because of the quality of the participating teams. We have to be full of hope — just like every Argentine is for any official competition, be it the Copa América or the World Cup — but we also need to acknowledge that there are other favorites ahead of us who go into the tournament in better form.”
When asked about his top contenders, Messi said: “I think France looks very strong again right now; they have an abundance of top-tier players. Spain is also a contender, as is Brazil — even though they haven’t been in their absolute best form recently. I still believe Brazil is always among the title contenders and has the necessary players to compete for the trophy at any major tournament.”
The veteran also expressed hope that his former PSG and Barcelona teammate and friend Neymar (34, FC Santos) will feature at the finals. The Brazilian has struggled with injuries and poor form, and has not been part of the Seleção since October 2023. “Of course I would be delighted if he were at the World Cup and everything goes well for him — he deserves it, just for the great person he is. I really hope he can be there,” Messi said. He praised Neymar’s unique charisma: “He doesn’t pretend to be someone else; he lives his life exactly as it is — following his feelings without worrying about the consequences.”
