Lionel Messi has no intention of stepping away from professional soccer. “I love playing football, and I’ll keep doing it until I simply can’t anymore,” the 38-year-old Argentine stated during a YouTube interview with Pollo Alvarez. His contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami runs through the end of 2028, when he will be 41 years old.
Seventeen World Cup participants in history have been aged 39 or older. Messi will lead Argentina in defense of their title in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The forward offered a realistic assessment of their chances: “We know a World Cup is always complicated given the caliber of the teams involved. We have to be hopeful—just like every Argentine is for every official competition, be it the Copa América or the World Cup—but we must also recognize there are other favorites ahead of us who enter the tournament in better form.”
When asked about his title contenders, Messi said: “I think France looks very strong again currently; they have an abundance of top-level players. I also consider Spain a contender, as well as Brazil—even though they haven’t been at their absolute best lately. I still believe Brazil is always among the title contenders and has the players needed to compete for the trophy in every major tournament.”
The veteran star hopes his former PSG and Barcelona teammate and friend Neymar (34, FC Santos) will feature at the finals. The Brazilian has struggled with injuries and form, and hasn’t been part of the Seleção since October 2023. “Of course, I’d be thrilled if he made the World Cup squad and everything goes well for him there—he deserves it, simply because of the great person he is. I really hope he can be there,” Messi said. He added that Neymar has a special aura: “He doesn’t pretend; he lives his life exactly as it is—following his instincts without worrying about consequences.”
