There is no time. But there is no decision either. With the World Cup two months away from opening, Lionel Messi's choice is still shrouded in uncertainty.
The global media outlet 'The Athletic' reported on the 11th (Korea time) that Messi's participation in the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup has not yet been confirmed. Lionel Scaloni, coach of the Argentina national team, is also avoiding giving a clear answer to related questions. There is no confirmed direction internally.
The reality is clear. Messi's presence is still absolute. He played in 12 of 18 matches in these World Cup qualifiers and scored eight goals. It's not just name value. He is still the team's center. He is the leader and the core.
His actions were exceptional too. Even when his physical condition was not perfect, he moved for the national team. He traveled from the United States to Argentina to play. It meant more than simply appearing. It was a sense of responsibility.
But the points of concern are clear. It's the 'current Messi.' The explosive power of his prime is gone. His speed has decreased, and muscle injuries are recurring. Managing his playing time is essential.
The problem is the stage of the World Cup. The tempo and intensity are different. Speed and physicality act as decisive factors. There is also the possibility that Messi's weaknesses could be exposed.
This is the heart of the dilemma. Messi is more than just a player. His career itself is a 'complete narrative.' And that peak has already been reached. In the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Messi lifted the trophy by winning the penalty shootout in the final against France, and at that moment, Messi's football life was completed.
The long-attached label of 'lack of national team trophies' has been completely removed. The preceding process was even more dramatic. Until winning the 2021 Copa America, he was doubted even in his homeland. He was sometimes treated as a symbol of failure. But in the end he overturned everything.
So the choice now is harder. He has already achieved everything. There are reasons to go further and reasons to stop at the same time. The present in MLS is different again. Messi is still dominant. He is an absolute presence at Inter Miami. He continues to deliver top performances in an environment with relatively less pressure. He has won the league MVP award in consecutive seasons.
But the World Cup is different. There is a risk of failure. If he fails to meet expectations, it could blemish an already completed career. Ultimately the choice is one: 'a final challenge' or 'a perfect exit'.
[OSEN]