Will Lionel Messi Play at 2030 World Cup? Legend Sounds Off on Chances After Making History

Amid a dominant start to his and Argentina's attempted title defense at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi was noncommittal about potentially suiting up for Argentina again in four years at the 2030 World Cup.

Messi didn't give a definitive answer regarding the 2030 World Cup, which will take place in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, saying, "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 are undefeated through two matches of group play at the 2026 World Cup, beating Algeria 3-0 and Austria 2-0.

The 39-year-old Messi has been the driving force behind the team's success thus far, scoring all five of their goals.

This year, Messi and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo became the first players to ever compete in six World Cups. If Messi returns in 2030 and Ronaldo does not, then Messi will have the record all to himself with seven appearances.

Despite speculation that Messi would retire from international competition after finally winning the World Cup in 2022 and being named the tournament's best player, he has continued to play at a high level for Argentina and in MLS for Inter Miami.

Messi has looked as good as ever in the 2026 World Cup, setting the career record for World Cup goals with 18.

While it seems likely that France's Kylian Mbappé will eventually pass Messi for that mark since he is just two goals behind at 16 and significantly younger at 27 years old, Messi could possibly hold him off for a while longer if he decides to play in 2030.

Messi has little left to prove, but with Argentina in contention for yet another World Cup, perhaps he could be compelled to give it one more go in four years.