Lionel Messi will play in next World Cup in 2026, claims Argentina legend who has 'No Doubt'

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Lionel Messi returned to action on Sunday, scoring twice in Inter Miami's 3-1 victory over Philadelphia Union.

Messi had been sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during Argentina's Copa America final win against Colombia on July 14. The match saw Philadelphia take an early lead through Mikael Uhre in the second minute.

Lionel Messi's Future in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

With Argentina set to defend their FIFA World Cup title in 2026, questions have arisen about Messi's participation, given he is already 37 years old. Juan Roman Riquelme, a former teammate and Argentine legend, believes Messi will play in the tournament.

Speaking on AZZ channel, Riquelme said, "Messi is reinventing himself. You never know what he can do. And I have no doubt that he will play in the next World Cup, he has to play."

"We will all be rooting for him to play. I don't tease him too much, but we talk a lot. That's why I think he's going to play. He's very good, it's something that's not normal. And to that, he adds that he really likes to compete. He's won a lot and he still wants to keep winning," he added.

The Argentina legend has been amazing for his nation in the recent past. He lifted two Copa America titles with Los Albicelestes and also the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

Messi has been an outstanding servant of his nation. With the next World Cup in less than two years time, the Argentine legend will make sight to appear for another World Cup, which will be held in USA, Canada and Mexico.