In the grand theater of football, where legends are born and etched into history, Lionel Messi continues to perform, seemingly defying the very concept of time. Fresh off a dominant display where he netted two goals for Argentina, the footballing maestro showcased the indelible touch that has mesmerized fans for two decades. Yet, beneath the triumph, a more poignant narrative is unfolding: the delicate dance between an athlete`s unwavering spirit and the undeniable march of age.
At 38, Messi`s brilliance remains undimmed, a fact evident in his recent performances for both Argentina and Inter Miami. However, even for a player of his unparalleled stature, the physical demands of elite-level football are relentless. Injuries, once a rare inconvenience, are now becoming more frequent companions, whispering doubts about his longevity on the international stage. The question isn`t if Messi can still play at an elite level, but rather, for how much longer can he endure the grind required to represent his nation at the pinnacle of the sport – the FIFA World Cup.
Following a recent fixture, Messi himself offered a candid and remarkably human reflection on his future. “Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won`t make it [to the 2026 World Cup],” he admitted, a statement that sent a collective shiver down the spines of football aficionados worldwide. It was a rare glimpse into the mind of a man who has always let his feet do the talking, now grappling with the practicalities of a body that, unlike his talent, is not immune to time.
His sentiment, however, was not devoid of hope. “But we`re almost there, so I`m excited and motivated to play it,” he continued, underscoring the passion that still burns fiercely within him. Messi`s philosophy has always been one of living in the present: “I go day by day, match by match, going by how I feel.” It`s a pragmatic approach, devoid of grand pronouncements, focusing instead on the honest assessment of his physical condition. “When I feel good, I enjoy it. But when I don`t, honestly, I don`t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don`t feel good.” Such honesty is a testament to his character – a legend who prioritizes contribution over mere presence, a refreshing lack of ego in a world often dominated by it.
The accumulating toll of injuries, including muscular issues that sidelined him for several Inter Miami games in July, adds a layer of stark reality to his contemplation. With the grueling schedule of club football preceding any international commitments, the physical load on Messi`s body is a significant concern. The notion of a World Cup without Lionel Messi feels almost anachronistic, a chapter in football history that many are not yet ready to close. Yet, it is a possibility that inches closer with each passing season, a quiet inevitability that even the greatest cannot escape.
Should he defy the odds and participate in 2026, Messi, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, would achieve an extraordinary feat: becoming the first players to feature in six different World Cups. This milestone, a testament to unprecedented longevity and consistent excellence, is a powerful motivator. But even for a living legend, the desire for glory must eventually yield to the body`s unwavering demands. After all, even statues eventually show the wear of time, though their legacy remains intact.
As Argentina navigates its CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying campaign, with fixtures like the recent clash against Venezuela and the upcoming encounter with Ecuador serving as vital milestones, every appearance by Messi is now viewed through a dual lens. There`s the immediate joy of witnessing his genius, coupled with the underlying question of how many more such moments remain. It`s a beautiful, bittersweet paradox for fans – celebrating the present while subconsciously preparing for an inevitable farewell.
Messi`s decision will not just be a personal one; it will be a moment of significant transition for Argentine football and the global game. It marks the gradual, graceful handover of an era. Until then, every match he plays is a bonus, a privilege for those who witness it, a testament to a career that refuses to fade quietly into the annals of history, but rather, ponders its grand finale with thoughtful, almost academic, precision.
