With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, speculation continues to grow around whether Lionel Messi will make a historic appearance in his sixth tournament. Weighing in on the debate, Argentina U-23 coach and former national team captain Javier Mascherano shared his thoughts during a recent press conference—offering hope, but stopping short of certainty.
“He’s got the fitness, the form, and the hunger—there’s no question about that. But ultimately, it’s a personal choice. I can’t speak for him,” Mascherano told TNT Sports. Though he avoided making a definitive call, his feelings were clear: “As an Argentine, I’d love to see him play. And as a football lover, too—because no one in the game creates what he does.”
Mascherano also took a moment to highlight Messi’s recent form with Inter Miami, who recently played to a 1-1 draw against Toronto in their eighth MLS match, with Messi scoring the equalizer. “It was just another reminder of what he’s been doing for nearly two decades. People go to stadiums just to see him—that’s the simple truth.”
Looking beyond just on-field performances, Mascherano reflected on Messi’s influence on American soccer: “Leo’s been in MLS for almost two years now, and he’s completely reshaped how the world sees this league. MLS has come a long way, but now it has to keep evolving—with Messi as a central figure in that growth.”
He wrapped up with a sentiment echoed by many: “He’s a once-in-a-lifetime player who leaves a legacy wherever he plays.”
As the countdown to 2026 ticks on, one question remains front and center: will Messi lace up for one final World Cup chapter?
