Argentina football icon Jorge Valdano has claimed Lionel Messi informed him ahead of the World Cup that he would return for the 2026 edition should the nation win this year.
Messi had appeared to suggest that this year’s World Cup would be his final edition of the tournament ahead of leading Argentina to a remarkable final victory over France on Sunday by netting twice and converting his penalty as the South American nation won their first title since 1986.
The 35-year-old subsequently confirmed that he was not going to hang up his boots for Argentina after winning the tournament but would not address claims he may play in another World Cup. Messi broke multiple records in the final and his 26 appearances in the tournament is more than any other player.
