TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Fans of the Argentina national team are hoping that their beloved captain, Lionel Messi, won't retire after the 2026 World Cup.
"Don't retire, keep playing," said Demian, an Argentine national team supporter, at Atlanta Stadium in the United States, Wednesday, after the 2026 World Cup semifinal, as quoted from Antara.
Messi, who led Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final after a 2-1 victory over England in the semifinals, could potentially play his final match ever for Argentina in this year's tournament final, considering he is now 39 years old and has been participating in the World Cup since 2006.
But Demian believes Messi still has it in him to play on the field, since he "plays like he's 25 years old."
"I think he's still capable of playing in the next World Cup," he said.
"He's a great player who can lead us to victory again [in the future]," the fan added.
Meanwhile, another Argentine supporter, Feli, emphasized that Lionel Messi is the best player of all time, though Feli acknowledges there will come a time when Messi will no longer play football.
"Whatever happens, he's still the best. We (the Argentine people) love him with all our hearts," said Feli.
What does Messi have to say about his retirement?
Citing USA Today, Messi has yet to announce that the 2026 World Cup would be his last. The 39-year-old player has emphasized that he's engaging in a "day-to-day" mindset. It's still out in the open, then, whether he will compete in the next World Cup.
On the other hand, his Inter Miami contract, which was set to expire previously in 2025, had been extended for a three-year contract through 2028. He remains the highest-paid player in the league.
Messi's reign in the 2026 World Cup
Despite his advancing age, Messi remains a key player in Argentina's success in securing a place in the 2026 World Cup final.
In the semifinals against England, he provided two assists for goals from Enzo Fernandez (85') and Lautaro Martinez (90+2') to give Argentina victory despite England's lead through Anthony Gordon (55').
Messi's two assists make him the top assist provider at the 2026 World Cup with four assists.
He also cemented his place as the top assist provider in World Cup history with 12 assists.
Simultaneously, Messi remains the most prolific player throughout the World Cup with 21 goals; he also tops the Golden Boot standings this year with eight goals.
In the 2026 World Cup final, which will take place at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, July 19, Argentia will face Spain.
Argentina is a defending World Cup champion, after previously winning the 2022 edition in Qatar, and before that, 1978 in Argentina and 1986 in Mexico.
Meanwhile, Spain only has one World Cup trophy under its belt, during the 2010 edition in South Africa.
Read: How to Watch Argentina vs Spain 2026 World Cup Final
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