There is still no clarity on whether Lionel Messi will feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina wrapped up their year with a friendly match in Angola, where they debuted their new World Cup kit. The reigning world champions beat the hosts 2–0 in Luanda.
Lautaro Martínez gave Argentina the lead before halftime, and Messi doubled the advantage in the 82nd minute—scoring his first goal in the new jersey. Remarkably, he scored the goal from a move that he himself initiated. Four minutes later, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was substituted.
After the match, Messi shared several photos wearing the new jersey on social media. He expressed his emotions, writing,
“I am proud to represent my country. It is always an honor to wear the blue and white.”
Messi Reflects on His Future While Embracing the Present
In the game, Messi created one clear scoring chance, recorded an assist, and took five shots—two of which were on target.
The Argentine captain has spoken multiple times about his desire to play in one more World Cup, yet he has never given a firm confirmation. He remains hopeful but realistic.
Messi reiterated his stance, saying,
“I don’t want to be a burden on the team. I’ll only play if I feel I can perform the way I expect from myself.”
His international career already shines with 192 matches, 112 goals, a Copa América title, the Finalissima, the Golden Ball at the World Cup, and, of course, the coveted World Cup trophy itself. With such achievements, Messi acknowledges the weight of expectations.
“𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑪𝒖𝒑 𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆,” 𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒅. “𝑹𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒇𝒖𝒍—𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒋𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒐 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒆.”
Still, he maintained a cautious tone: “If I feel I can help the team and play the way I want to, then I will continue. Otherwise, I won’t.”
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