Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi, the celebrated Argentine football icon, might extend his international career to participate in the 2026 World Cup, according to Claudio Tapia, the President of the Argentine Football Association. Despite Messi previously ruling out the possibility of continuing until the next edition of the World Cup, Tapia believes that the football star could be persuaded to reconsider.

Speaking at a sports leaders summit in Buenos Aires, Tapia expressed his admiration for Messi's relentless pursuit of excellence. He stated, "He always aims for more. He never gives up and always surprises you." Tapia further revealed, "It's something I've thought about. How could I not? I would like him to be there. In his current form, Messi can easily play at the 2026 World Cup."

Messi, who recently led Argentina to their third World Cup victory in Qatar, will be 39 years old when the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico concludes. Despite his age, Messi has shown no signs of decline. Since joining Inter Miami in July, he has notched 11 goals in as many matches and provided five assists. Under his leadership, Inter Miami secured their first trophy, the Leagues Cup, last month.

Tapia emphasized that Messi deserves the autonomy to determine when he ends his international career, concluding, "It depends on him and what he wants. I see him playing in the next World Cup. He can really do it if he wants to."