- At 39 Messi says he’ll play “as long as he can contribute” and hasn’t ruled out 2030 — so whether 2026 is his swan song remains uncertain.
- He’s been in electric form this World Cup: 8 goals (tied with Mbappé), scored in 5 of 6 matches including a hat‑trick vs Algeria and a brace vs Austria; 21 World Cup goals across six tournaments.
- Argentina, the defending champs, meet England in the semifinal — a high‑drama moment that could feel like a farewell; Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the only players to appear in six World Cups.
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