Argentina football icon Jorge Valdano has claimed Lionel Messi informed him ahead of the World Cup that he would return for the 2026 edition should the nation win this year.
Messi had appeared to suggest that this year’s World Cup would be his final edition of the tournament ahead of leading Argentina to a remarkable final victory over France on Sunday by netting twice and converting his penalty as the South American nation won their first title since 1986.
The 35-year-old subsequently confirmed that he was not going to hang up his boots for Argentina after winning the tournament but would not address claims he may play in another World Cup. Messi broke multiple records in the final and his 26 appearances in the tournament is more than any other player.
Speaking ahead of the final, Messi said: "I am very happy for finishing my journey in World Cups in a final, to play the last game in a final. That is really very gratifying. Everything I lived in this World Cup has been emotional, seeing how much it has been enjoyed in Argentina."
However, Argentine legend Valdano – who was part of the previous World Cup winning squad with his nation – had interviewed the Paris Saint-Germain star ahead of the tournament, and claims that Messi privately told him he would aim to play in the 2026 edition, when he will be aged 39, should Argentina win this year’s competition.
Valdano explained on Spanish radio station Cadena Cope: "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".
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"We will see if Messi is capable. Football has shown that it is practically impossible to play in six World Cups."
Valdano also addressed comparisons between Messi and Diego Maradona, whom he played alongside for the national side: "The similarity between Maradona and Messi is that they are two geniuses. 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."
Finally, Valdano devoted special praise to Argentine winning boss Lionel Scaloni: "He found the tone, he has not stolen the stage from the players, he has been very discreet in how he has conducted himself. The players love him and believe in him, something very important for a coach.
"He had very good feelings throughout the World Cup. Bringing in Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez, Alexis MacAllister, players who didn't exist (on that stage) six months ago. He found them along the way."
