Argentina Hopes for a Triumphant World Cup Farewell for Lionel Messi

Buenos Aires holds strong memories of the 1994 World Cup in the United States when Diego Maradona was expelled after a positive doping test. This led to Argentina’s elimination in the round of 16. Now, 32 years later, Argentina is hoping for a better outcome for Lionel Messi. He is turning 39 this month and many expect him to retire from international soccer following the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. is co-hosting with Mexico and Canada. Argentina aims to defend the title they won in Qatar, potentially becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to achieve back-to-back World Cup wins. A victory could further cement Messi’s status as one of the greatest players ever.

In an interview with Argentine journalist Joaquín “Pollo” Álvarez on YouTube, Messi said, “I love playing football and I’m going to do it until I can’t anymore. I’m competitive. I like to win at everything, even video games with my kids.” He continues to train, preparing for what will be a record sixth World Cup appearance.

Currently, Messi is dealing with a hamstring injury, which he aggravated during Inter Miami’s last match before the World Cup. Despite this, he is training individually at Argentina’s base camp in Kansas City. Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, noted the team’s fitness concerns. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez broke a finger in a Europa League final. Defender Cristian Romero is recovering from a knee injury, while several others struggle with muscle injuries.

Argentina, a former champion in 1978 and 1986, will face Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City. Further group matches include Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27 in Arlington, Texas. Scaloni is sticking with 17 players from the 2022 World Cup squad, emphasizing their merit and consistency. Argentina recently won the Copa América in 2024 and topped the South American qualifying group.

Julián Álvarez, an Atlético Madrid forward, is vital for Argentina’s attack. Clubs such as Barcelona, Arsenal, and PSG are reportedly interested in signing him. Scaloni has also introduced new talent: midfielder Valentín Barco, and forwards Nicolás Paz and Juan Manuel López. The absence of Ángel Di María, who retired in 2024, is significant. Di María was influential alongside Messi during Argentina’s Qatar victory.

Messi, although hopeful, is tempering World Cup expectations. “We should be excited, but acknowledge other favorites who are in better form,” he advised. Messi holds the record for most World Cup matches and is close to breaking the scoring record. Although he hasn’t confirmed his retirement post-World Cup, he hinted at it after a game at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, calling it his last competitive home match.

Like many Argentines, Scaloni finds it challenging to think of the national team without Messi. “I like to think he’ll keep playing. It’s saddening to consider what happened with Diego Maradona. Such players have left a mark on football history.” Scaloni prefers focusing on Messi’s current contributions to the team.