Messi returns to training with Inter Miami this week to prepare for MLS matches, his biggest goal after completing his Argentina duties. But it will be a challenge with teammate Suarez receiving a heavy penalty.
This is closely tied to the new faces like Mastantuono, and the World Cup-winning coach does not want anyone to rush him. That is precisely why he made it clear that Messi will be Messi, and there will never be another like him.
“An heir to Messi in Argentine or world football? No, there can’t be one. There won’t be. There may be great players who define an era, but what he has done for so long, I think will be unrepeatable. Football has many unimaginable things, but I can almost assure you that it will be impossible to see something like that. I think he has no rival.”
This was expressed by Messi after he and the Argentina national team played their final match in their career in the South American World Cup qualifiers, winning 3-0 against Venezuela, in which he scored a double on September 5. However, the fact that Messi has not yet decided to participate in the 2026 World Cup has continued to be a topic of discussion among fans in Argentina.
Messi is cautious, because the goal of attending the 2026 World Cup is very important to him – Photo: Reuters
“For Argentine fans, they always want Messi to confirm to participate in the 2026 World Cup and possibly the 2030 World Cup at the age of 42, like former Cameroonian player Roger Milla participated in the 1994 World Cup,” according to TNT Sports Argentina channel.
At the 2030 World Cup, Argentina will play one home match on the opening day to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the World Cup, along with Paraguay and Uruguay. The remaining matches will be held in the three main co-host countries: Morocco, Portugal and Spain. FIFA has decided that all six of these teams will not compete in the qualifying round and will all qualify for the finals as co-hosts.
Therefore, the pressure from Argentine fans is growing because of their love for Messi, as they want him to attend both upcoming World Cups despite his age.
“First of all, whether or not to attend the 2026 World Cup will be up to Messi. He needs to be calm to decide. I have not talked to Messi about this. I only see what he said publicly. He is considering it carefully, and he deserves it. Whatever he decides is fine,” coach Scaloni said at a press conference before the match between Argentina and Ecuador at 6am on September 10, in the final round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America.
According to Spanish newspaper AS : “Coach Scaloni’s comments show that this coach and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) are giving Messi full autonomy in his decisions, respecting his legacy and the emotional weight of his final chapter on the biggest international football stage.”
Messi will focus all his attention on Inter Miami, before deciding whether to attend the 2026 World Cup or not – Photo: Reuters
But asking Messi to participate in the 2030 World Cup when he is already 42 years old is unprecedented, AS emphasized.
Messi has felt the end of his career approaching, as he acknowledged that at his current age (38 years old), participating in another World Cup is almost impossible. Because it all depends on the feeling and going through each match with a maintained excitement, which will help this famous player continue to keep the flame burning for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Many factors depend on Messi’s return to Inter Miami for the remainder of the season until the end of the year, such as aiming to defend the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup titles.
In addition, Messi also has to finalize how long his contract extension with Inter Miami will last, start the pre-season process in early 2026 and then prepare for the 2026 World Cup in the summer.
After a few days off with his family, Messi will return to training with Inter Miami to prepare for the next MLS match against Charlotte FC at 6:30 a.m. on September 14 away, followed by a rematch with Seattle Sounders FC at home at 6:30 a.m. on September 17.
Messi will not be able to play alongside his close friend Suarez in these matches, who has just been banned for an additional 3 matches by the US professional soccer league, MLS, following a 6-match ban in the Leagues Cup. However, Busquets and striker Tomas Aviles will not be subject to additional punishment.
Inter Miami are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference standings with 46 points from 25 games. They have played four games fewer than the Philadelphia Union, while losing by 11 points. So if they win all their remaining games, Inter Miami could return to the top of the table and win the Supporters’ Shield.