Argentina captain Lionel Messi has downplayed speculation about playing in the 2030 FIFA World Cup, stating he is living one day at a time and focused on the present. The 39-year-old, celebrating his birthday on Wednesday, confirmed he intends to continue his career as long as he feels physically fit and able to contribute to his team.
Speaking to reporters during the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 in Texas, Messi said, "Yes, yes... I will continue for some time, as long as I can contribute, feel good physically, and help my teammates... I will keep playing." When asked about the 2030 tournament, he added, "I don't know. The truth is, I'm not thinking about that right now. It seems a bit far off... but, as I said, I'm living one day at a time and focused on the present."
Argentina's strong start at World Cup 2026
Defending champions Argentina have made an emphatic start to their 2026 campaign, winning both Group J matches to secure an early place in the Round of 32. They opened with a 3-0 victory over Algeria, where Messi scored a hat-trick. Argentina then defeated Austria 2-0 to confirm qualification with a match to spare. In that game, Messi scored a brace, becoming the all-time leading goal-scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals.
With qualification secured, Argentina now face Jordan in their final group-stage match, allowing coach Lionel Scaloni to rotate the squad and fine-tune tactics ahead of the knockout rounds.
Messi's unparalleled career
Messi, born in Rosario, Argentina, has built one of the most decorated careers in football history. With the Argentina national team, he has won the 2005 U-20 World Cup, 2008 Olympic gold, 2021 Copa America, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 FIFA World Cup, and 2024 Copa America, marking a golden era for his country.
At Barcelona, he won 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey, 4 Champions League titles, 3 UEFA Super Cups, and 3 FIFA Club World Cups. After leaving Barcelona, he won two Ligue 1 titles and a French Super Cup with Paris Saint-Germain. At Inter Miami, he added the Leagues Cup in 2023, Supporters' Shield in 2024, and MLS Cup in 2025, extending his legacy across continents.
Messi, nicknamed 'La Pulga' and 'Messiah', continues to defy age, leading Argentina's title defence at the 2026 World Cup.
