Lionel Messi hasn’t yet ruled out returning to the World Cup in 2030, which would be a record-breaking seventh time for a male player at the greatest event on the soccer calendar.
Messi is currently competing at his sixth World Cup, a competition record for the men’s tournament he jointly holds with Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa—although the latter hasn’t got on the pitch every time he’s been selected.
Ochoa is hanging up his gloves after this World Cup and Ronaldo has hinted he doesn’t expect to carry on playing beyond 2027 when his current Al Nassr contract expires. There had also been doubts about Messi making it to 2030, given his persistent hesitance at committing even to playing in 2026.
But Messi has taken this World Cup by storm. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who celebrated his 39th birthday on Wednesday, has scored all five of Argentina’s goals at the tournament. As a result, he now owns the all-time record for most World Cup goals, with 18.
Messi would turn 43 during the next World Cup in four years’ time, which in itself would be a new record for the oldest outfield player in the men’s tournament, surpassing Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who was 42 in 1994. His club career with Inter Miami will continue for another two years at least, with a contract to 2028. By then, Messi will already be 41 and 2030 isn’t much further away.
Messi Plans to ‘Continue for Some Time’
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