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Reception: 05/01/2025 - Acceptance: 05/09/2025

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Suggested reference: Arrung, E. (2025). The Dream of another World Cup: Messi and the Argentine Hope. Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, 30(324), 246-250. https://www.efdeportes.com/efdeportes/index.php/EFDeportes/article/view/7983

 

Abstract

    Messi's future at the 2026 World Cup is uncertain. Despite the wishes of the fans and the Argentine team, the final decision will depend on his physical and mental state. However, his current club and residence in the United States could positively influence his participation. Messi is a global soccer icon with numerous records. His influence transcends sport, making him an inspirational figure and an economic driver. His possible participation in the 2026 World Cup would generate a significant global impact.

    Keywords: Lionel Messi. Soccer. World Cup 2026.

 

Resumen

    El futuro de Messi en el Mundial 2026 es incierto. A pesar de los deseos de los fanáticos y del equipo argentino, la decisión final dependerá de su estado físico y mental. Sin embargo, su actual club y residencia en Estados Unidos podrían influir positivamente en su participación. Messi es un ícono mundial del fútbol con numerosos récords. Su influencia trasciende el deporte, convirtiéndolo en una figura inspiradora y un motor económico. Su posible participación en el Mundial 2026 generaría un impacto global significativo.

    Palabras clave: Lionel Messi. Fútbol. Copa del Mundo 2026.

 

Resumo

    O futuro de Messi no Mundial de 2026 é incerto. Apesar da vontade dos adeptos e da seleção argentina, a decisão final dependerá do seu estado físico e mental. No entanto, o seu atual clube e residência nos Estados Unidos poderão influenciar positivamente a sua participação. Messi é um ícone do futebol mundial com inúmeros recordes. A sua influência transcende o desporto, tornando-o uma figura inspiradora e um impulsionador económico. A sua possível participação no Mundial de 2026 geraria um impacto global significativo.

    Unitermos: Lionel Messi. Futebol. Copa do Mundo 2026.

 

Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, Vol. 30, Núm. 324, May. (2025)

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Messi and the 2026 World Cup 

 

    While Lionel Messi's participation in the 2026 World Cup remains a mystery to many—and certainly to himself—millions of fans around the world, especially Argentinians, dream of seeing him take to the pitch in the Argentine jersey at the upcoming World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. "La Pulga," who will turn 39 during the event, has expressed that everything depends on his physical and mental condition at that time. His teammates and the coaching staff, led by Lionel Scaloni, are excited to have him on the current world champion squad.

 

    There are several factors in his favor: the championship will be held in the country where he currently plays and resides, which is a perfect opportunity to imagine his life after retirement, linked to various businesses, in a territory where soccer is not yet among the most popular sports.

 

Source: Microsoft Bing Image Generator

 

    Lionel Messi holds numerous records. Among them are:

• He has won the World Soccer Award for Best Player in the World six times (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2022).

• He is the Argentine national team's all-time leading scorer.

• He is the national team's leading scorer in World Cups, with 13 goals.

• He is the player with the most appearances in the history of the Copa America, with 5.

• He is the player with the most Ballon d'Ors, with 8.

• He is the player with the most titles at all levels throughout history, with 46.

• He is the only player to win the Ballon d'Or four consecutive times (2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012).

• To date, he is the player with the most appearances in World Cup history, with 26 matches, a record he reached in Qatar 2022.

• In the entire history of the World Cup, six players have made the most appearances at the FIFA World Cup. Messi shares this record with three Mexican players (Antonio Carabajal, Rafael Márquez, and Andrés Guardado), one Portuguese player (Cristiano Ronaldo), and one German player (Lothar Matthäus), playing in five World Cups.

    Soccer is an economic engine that moves millions of dollars and generates a large number of jobs in diverse sectors. Its ability to unite people and generate emotions makes it an ideal platform for developing innovative and successful businesses. Messi is capable of making people happy, expressing his unique talent through the game. He is humble, successful, perseverant, disciplined, and possesses a remarkable ability to work in a team and transmit his passion for soccer. If his participation in 2026, his sixth World Cup, is confirmed, he will surely have a global impact beyond soccer.

 

References 

 

Aboy, A. (2022). La lista completa de todos los récords que logró Lionel Messi en la historia del fútbol. The Sporting News. https://www.sportingnews.com/ar/futbol/news/lionel-messi-lista-records-carrera/nfvmg8anw8oumvmwxj8goxzu

 

Messi.com (2024). Messi Palmarés. https://messi.com/palmares/

Lecturas: Educación Física y Deportes, Vol. 30, Núm. 324, May. (2025)