Lionel Messi’s 2026 World Cup Chances for Argentina: Riquelme Predicts Legendary Comeback
The 2026 FIFA World Cup future of Lionel Messi has generated a lot of conjecture. Fans are curious to see if the 37-year-old Argentine icon would try to win the World Cup again.
Former colleague and Argentine icon Juan Roman Riquelme made a daring prediction regarding Messi’s participation in the 2026 World Cup. Messi’s age and fitness have some people worried, but Riquelme is sure the Inter Miami player will play in the upcoming World Cup.
In his return to action on Sunday, Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami defeated Philadelphia Union 3-1. The attacker was sidelined prior to this game after suffering an ankle injury on July 14 during Argentina’s Copa America final victory against Colombia.
Since the former Barcelona star is already 37 years old, many supporters have been left wondering about his availability as Argentina prepares to defend their FIFA World Cup championship in 2026. Juan Roman Riquelme, a legend from Argentina and Messi’s former teammate, believes that the Inter Miami player will compete in the competition in 2026.
“Messi is reinventing himself,” he remarked in a statement on the AZZ channel. You never know what powers he possesses. He has to play in the upcoming World Cup, and I have no doubt about it. We’ll all be cheering for him to participate. Although we don’t chat much, I do tease him a lot. For this reason, I believe he will play. He’s really skilled; this isn’t typical. He continues by saying that he truly enjoys competing. Despite his great victories, he still aspires to more.”
On Sunday, Mikael Uhre gave Philadelphia the lead in the second minute of play. With a brace, Messi sparked his team’s comeback. After receiving a pass from Luis Suarez in the 26th minute, Messi dribbled the ball past a defender and into the left post to tie the score at one.
The score was then increased to 2-1 four minutes later when Messi received a cross and scored past the goalkeeper with a shot from 15 yards. Messi found Suare during second-half stoppage time, making the score 3-1.
“A little bit tired because of the heat and humidity of Miami but I wanted to return so much after such a long time away,” Messi stated in a statement prior to the game.
“I started training with the group and began to feel better.”
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