Lionel Messi will face England for the first and potentially final time, according to former Premier League winger Chris Waddle, who believes the Argentina icon will not feature at the 2030 World Cup. Messi is gearing up to meet the Three Lions in Wednesday night's semi-final (8pm kick-off).
Messi's Outstanding Form
The Inter Miami forward has been central to Argentina's run to the final four, scoring eight goals in six games and providing two assists. Messi, 39, has been in outstanding form but could soon follow Cristiano Ronaldo in stepping away from the international stage.
Ronaldo confirmed his retirement from Portugal duty after their 1-0 Round-of-32 defeat to rivals Spain - a result that ensured he ended his career without lifting the World Cup trophy. Messi, meanwhile, is chasing a second World Cup triumph after his 2022 success, particularly with Waddle suggesting this will be his last major tournament.
Waddle's Verdict
"No, I don't think he'll play [at the 2030 World Cup]," Waddle told 10bet. "He was back and forth about this tournament, saying he wasn't sure if he wanted to play or if he was committed to it, before changing his mind toward the end of the season."
"The thing I like about Messi is he knows his limitations. If he thought the team would be better off without him, he would stand aside. I'd be very surprised if you see him at the next World Cup as a player."
"You may see him there as an Argentine ambassador, but not on the pitch. You're talking four more years - no, this will be his last World Cup."
Historical Context
He will be 43 by the time the 2030 World Cup arrives - two years older than Ronaldo was when he featured at this summer's tournament. If this is indeed his final shot at the World Cup, he will want to go out in style, especially with England standing in his way for the first time in his career.
A place in the final is on the line, and Argentina are chasing back-to-back World Cup titles for the first time since Brazil achieved it in 1962.
Golden Boot Race
The Argentina phenomenon is currently level with Kylian Mbappe on eight goals in the race for the Golden Boot. Mbappe leads the standings courtesy of the assist tiebreaker, having provided three - one more than Messi.
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham sit just behind them on six goals each, adding to a tournament that has become a battle of the titans. For the first time ever, FIFA's top four-ranked nations have all reached the semi-finals, thanks to the tennis-style draw that kept them apart until now.
