Lionel Messi navigates speculation over retirement amid World Cup play
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 7, 2026, 4:00 PM
Last updated Jul 7, 2026
Lionel Messi, leading Argentina in the Round of 16 against Egypt, faces questions about his future, with this being his likely final World Cup. At 39, he has shattered records, becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history and the oldest player to score a hat-trick. While he has not officially announced his retirement, Messi remains noncommittal about a potential participation in the 2030 World Cup, indicating uncertainty about his plans. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni keeps the option open for Messi to continue as long as he performs well.
- •Messi turned 39 during the group stage of the World Cup.
- •Argentina faces Egypt in the Round of 16 in Atlanta.
- •He became the leading World Cup scorer with 17 goals.
- •Messi's remarks on retirement remain vague and noncommittal.
- •He could turn 43 during the 2030 World Cup, impacting his eligibility.
- 4:33 PMYahoo Sports — Is Mohamed Salah retiring? What Egypt star has said about return for 2030 World Cup
- 4:00 PMYahoo Sports — Is Lionel Messi retiring? What Argentina star has said about return for 2030 World Cup
"Mohamed Salah is approaching the twilight of his career, but another World Cup does not seem out of the question.
"Lionel Messi may be playing in his final World Cup tournament.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 7, 2026, 4:33 PMIs Mohamed Salah retiring? What Egypt star has said about return for 2030 World Cup
Mohamed Salah is approaching the twilight of his career, but another World Cup does not seem out of the question.
- Yahoo SportsJul 7, 2026, 4:00 PMIs Lionel Messi retiring? What Argentina star has said about return for 2030 World Cup
Lionel Messi may be playing in his final World Cup tournament.
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