Messi Still Capable’ of Leading Argentina At 2026 World Cup, Says Zanetti

Javier Zanetti insists that Lionel Messi is still capable of leading Argentina into the 2026 World Cup and says he has “no doubt” that the Inter Miami star will shine at the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Messi is now 38 but appears poised to have one last crack at international glory, as Argentina aim to defend their crown.

Messi crowned his incredible career with glory in Qatar as Argentina won the 2022 World Cup. Now, though, he is eyeing the prospect of playing in his last international tournament, in 2026.
Now playing his club football in MLS with Inter Miami, Messi continues to win games with his incredible ability, and former Argentina team-mate Zanetti insists he has absolutely no doubt that the former Barcelona star can lead his country to glory once more.

Zanetti told FourFourTwo, “That has to be his decision, but I think yes. There are only a few months to go, and I believe he also wants to represent his country again. I have no doubt it will happen.”

He has also dismissed concerns Messi may be too old, adding: “I don’t agree with that. Messi is fully capable of continuing as a leader. He’s intelligent, knows better than anyone how to interpret what the team needs, and is surrounded by great players in the national team. I’m convinced that with him, Argentina will be a major contender again at the next World Cup.”

Zanetti continued, when asked if Messi could decide to play on beyond the World Cup: “I don’t know if that can be seen in the short term, but I think the time has come for Messi to enjoy football. The most important thing now is that he enjoys what he does. The World Cup will surely be an important testing ground to see how he feels, and then he’ll decide, calmly, whether to continue.”