Argentine football legend makes big prediction for Lionel Messi at 2026 FIFA World Cup: 'And I have no doubts…' | Football News

With Argentina looking to defend their FIFA World Cup title in 2026, many fans are wondering if the former Barcelona star is still available as he is already 37 years old. Messi's former teammate and Argentine legend Juan Roman Riquelme believes the Inter Miami star will participate in the tournament in 2026.

Speaking on the AZZ channel, he said: “Messi is reinventing himself. You never know what he can do. And I have no doubt that he will play in the next World Cup, he has to play. We will all be rooting for him. I don't blame him too much, but we talk a lot. That's why I believe he will play. He is very good, that's something that is not normal. And what's more, he adds that he really likes to compete. He has won a lot and he still wants to keep winning.”

On Sunday, Philadelphia opened the scoring in the second minute through Mikael Uhre. Messi led his team's comeback with a brace. In the 26th minute, Messi received a pass from Luis Suarez, beat a defender and fired the ball into the left post to make it 1-1.

Four minutes later, Messi received a cross and shot past the goalkeeper from 13 meters to make it 2-1. In stoppage time of the second half, Messi found Suare, who scored to make it 3-1.

Before the match, Messi said: “I was a bit tired because of the heat and humidity in Miami, but I wanted to return so much after so long.”

“I started training with the group and gradually felt better.”