Alexis Mac Allister offers opinion about Lionel Messi playing for Argentina in 2026 FIFA World Cup
Liverpool and Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has shared his thoughts on the possibility of Albiceleste captain Lionel Messi featuring in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The mercurial midfielder was part of the team that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup under Lionel Scaloni, playing a starring role for his country in Qatar.
Argentina were on top of the world in December 2022 when they, and by extension Lionel Messi, won a third World Cup title and a first since 1986. The then-PSG man was magical for his country, earning the tournament's Golden Ball and setting a number of records throughout the tournament.
Now 37 years old, Messi will be 39 by the time the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, comes around. In an interview with AS, teammate Alexis Mac Allister revealed that he does not consider the age factor, and he hopes the Inter Miami ace can partake in the tournament. He said:
“I hope so. I think so. There’s a year and a half left to go until the World Cup, and that’s nothing. He looks happy, and although I don’t know what will happen with his future, it seems like he’s going to stay with Inter Miami... I hope he can make it because he’s the player who makes the difference."
Lionel Messi is contracted to Inter Miami until December 31, 2025, and could participate in the World Cup, as he has not ruled out the possibility of this happening. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has always maintained that his participation depends on his physical state. And he appears to not be slowing down after 21 goals in 22 MLS appearances in 2024.
Messi has featured in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, scoring six goals and providing three assists in nine appearances so far. Argentina sit atop the CONMEBOL standings and are almost certain to seal their qualification in March 2025.
Argentina star Lionel Messi sees legendary streak come to an end with FIFPro World XI snub
Argentina and Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has seen his impressive run with the FIFPro World XI come to an end after he failed to make the XI for 2024. The 37-year-old was among the nominees for the XI this year, one of only two players playing outside Europe to be nominated.
The voting for the final XI has been concluded, and while the list includes some of the world's best players, there was no room for Messi. This means that the former Barcelona man loses his 17-year streak of making the annual FIFPro World XI, indicating that his career is nearing its end.
Messi was not the only legendary absentee, as Cristiano Ronaldo and Manuel Neuer were also snubbed by the voters from the XI. Like Messi, Ronaldo saw his own 15-year streak end two years ago, and he has not made the XI since then.