Lionel Messi had previously claimed that the 2022 FIFA World Cup would surely be his last. At 35 years of age, it was reasonable to think that was the case. However, what transpired in Qatar over the course of a month as Messi completed his lifelong dream and led Argentina to the prestigious trophy for the first time since 1986, even before he was born, may have taken a major influence.

Not only did Messi lead La Albiceleste to the World Cup as captain, he was by far the best player in the tournament and became only the first footballer in history to win the FIFA Golden Ball trophy twice. And also he became the best footballer in the betting world. Moreover, Messi also finished as the second highest goal-scorer in the competition behind PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe.

Just after winning the World Cup, the Argentine captain had said that he doesn’t wish to retire immediately as he wants to experience playing for his national side as a world champion, something he had dreamt of throughout his career.

Now, Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni has left the door open for Messi and has assured fans that it will be Messi’s decision whether he wants to play in the next FIFA World Cup in 2026 or not, according to how his body and physical abilities hold up.

“Being at the next World Cup will be Leo’s decision, if his body holds up for me he will be there,” Scaloni detailed at an Italian coaching course.

“Behind our title there was a communion of intentions between fans, staff and players, something emotional that made the sense of belonging to this unique shirt even stronger.

“Then, having a player like Messi was, and is obviously, an advantage. As a former team-mate, coaching him is beautiful, I see how the other players look at him and follow him, he is the best.”

Messi has already played five World Cups in his career starting from 2006 to 2022. This is a record he shares with Cristiano Ronaldo, Lothar Matthaus and Mexico’s Rafael Marquez, Andres Guardado, and Antonio Carbajal.

Moreover, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has already played the most number of World Cup matches in history (26), overtaking Germany’s Lothar Matthaus (25) in the final. He also holds the record for the most individual goal contributions in the history of this tournament. Explore more about Football and betting news in Nextbet.