Lionel Messi could yet play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, with the one condition he wanted satisfied to do so having reportedly been revealed.
The Paris Saint-Germain superstar said prior to the competition in Qatar that it would be his last World Cup with La Albiceleste, leading to speculation the veteran could retire from international duty after their triumph in the Middle East on Sunday.
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However, Messi recently confirmed that his journey with Argentina will continue, but refused to address claims that he might play at the next World Cup.
Despite being 35 years old, the forward broke multiple records at Qatar 2022 as he guided his nation to their first World Cup title since 1986, and many would love to see him grace football's biggest stage again.
Argentina legend Jorge Valdano – who was part of the 1986 squad that won the world title – has now revealed that Messi told him privately he would play at the 2026 World Cup if he won the tournament in the Gulf.
"When I interviewed him before the World Cup, off-camera he told me that he was going to play in his fifth World Cup and that no footballer had played six; he told me that it was impossible, and he told me 'If I'm a world champion, I'll keep my shirt on until the next World Cup'," the 67-year-old told Cadena Cope.
"We will see if Messi is capable.
"Football has shown that it is practically impossible to play in six World Cups."
Messi will be 39 years old when the next World Cup takes place, so it seems unlikely the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner will feature at the showpiece in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Having played with Diego Maradona, Valdano also addressed the comparisons between his former teammate and the PSG talisman.
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"The similarity between Maradona and Messi is that they are two geniuses," the former Real Madrid manager added.
"The difference is that in Mexico '86, Diego was in his physical prime (26 years old), and Leo is a 35-year-old and he had to bring out his genius and wisdom.
"Each of Messi's interventions was decisive and showed that he is a player of a superior level.
"They are two geniuses who have marked their time in which they have played football; Messi for 20 years."
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