Is this Lionel Messi's last World Cup? What Argentina superstar has said about future with national team

Even at 39 years old, Lionel Messi has been as spectacular in the 2026 World Cup as ever.

The Argentina star hasn't just taken his squad to the semifinals, continuing a quest to go back-to-back with World Cup trophies — he's done it in style, contending for the Golden Boot, including his first World Cup hat trick early in the tournament.

Messi, however, can't play for Argentina forever. And with the World Cup only arriving every four years, his age has put into question whether this year's tournament will be his last.

Here's what's known about Messi's future World Cup and international retirement plans.

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Is this Lionel Messi's last World Cup?

For now, this is the question that many soccer fans want an answer to — but Messi hasn't provided one.

While Cristiano Ronaldo explicitly stated after his 2026 World Cup run with Portugal that it was his last, Messi has yet to provide any kind of clarity on his own future in the tournament. But given his age, there's been a level of expectation that this is his last World Cup.

 "He'll keep playing as long as he wants because we already know what he's capable of," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni previously said of Messi's World Cup future.

When he was asked directly about playing in the 2030 World Cup, Messi opted to remain focused on his current situation.

"I don't know. The truth is, I'm not thinking about that right now," Messi said. "It seems a bit far off but, as I said, I'm living one day at a time and focused on the present."

Once Argentina's World Cup is over, whether via elimination or by winning a second trophy in a row, Messi should provide more clarity on his interest in playing at the 2030 World Cup. But so far, he's remained mum about closing that door.

MORE: Where Messi currently ranks in quest for 2026 Golden Boot

How old would Lionel Messi be in 2030?

At 39 years old now, Messi would be 43 years old in the 2030 World Cup.

That wouldn't quite reach the oldest player to appear in a World Cup — that mark goes to Egypt goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary, who was 45 years and 161 days old for an appearance in 2018.

Messi would, however, join Faryd Mondragon as the only other 43-year-olds to play in the World Cup.

MORE: Inside Lionel Messi's goals since turning 30 years old

Is Lionel Messi retiring from Argentina?

Messi has remained just as vague about his retirement plans for Argentina as the 2030 World Cup; while it hasn't been ruled out, he also hasn't provided any kind of timeline.

Considering he remained as elite as ever in the 2026 World Cup, he could choose to continue playing at a high level for longer. But Messi hasn't been willing to give any specifics, only hinting that he'll continue playing international soccer as long as he feels physically able.

"Yes, yes... I will continue for some time, as long as I can contribute, feel good physically, and help my teammates... I will keep playing," Messi said during the group stage.

At the very least, Messi isn't expected to fully retire from soccer for a bit longer. He recently signed on for two more years with MLS's Inter Miami, providing more of a timeline for how long fans can expect to continue seeing him in action.

MORE: Where Messi's 2026 run ranks among most single-World Cup goals

Lionel Messi World Cup history

Messi is making his sixth World Cup appearance in 2026, tied with Ronaldo for the most separate tournament appearances ever.

He first stepped onto the stage in 2006, but Messi's first two runs with Argentina ended in the quarterfinals.

In 2014, he broke through with four goals to lead Argentina to the finals vs. Germany, where his side lost. And after losing in the Round of 16 in 2018, it appeared Messi may finish his career without a World Cup title.

Everything changed in 2022, however, when Messi led Argentina to glory at 34 years old, beating France on penalties to finally secure the trophy.

So far in 2026, Messi has led his country on another deep World Cup run, looking to go back-to-back.

MORE: Everything we know about Lionel Messi's contract with Inter Miami