Lisandro Martinez appears to have hinted at Lionel Messi gracing the 2026 World Cup, with the Argentina defender sending a “last tournament” message.
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All-time great landed global crown in 2022Ready for defence of Copa America titleMay have another major event left in himGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, who inspired his country to global glory at Qatar 2022, has given little away when it comes to his future plans. He initially ruled out defending a World Cup crown in the United States, Mexico and Canada, but has since backtracked a little on those statements.
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Messi forms part of Argentina’s plans for the 2024 Copa America – which comes in the middle of his MLS campaign at Inter Miami – and Martinez is confident that the all-time great will not bow out at the end of that event. The Manchester United defender has said of his talismanic team-mate: “He's very calm, more than anything he's enjoying the day to day. It's beautiful to be here, we all have a great relationship. When one is here, one is very happy. We feel at home, which is important. We don't see it [as his last tournament with Argentina.] We see him happy, and with an impressive level. That's what I can tell you.”
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Argentina will continue to look to their mercurial No.10 for leadership and guidance, with Martinez adding on the importance of having the evergreen 36-year-old around: “Playing with Leo, for us it's a very important plus. Everyone knows what Leo represents, he's the best in the world. Having him play for our team is without a doubt a plus. We are very happy to share the day to day with him.”
WHAT NEXT?
Messi has taken his record-breaking hauls of caps and goals for Argentina to 180 and 106 respectively, with the plan being to raise those bars even higher before a day comes to hang up the most distinguished of boots. His latest Copa America campaign will get underway on June 20.