Lionel Messi could be playing in his last ever World Cup as he prepares to face England for the first time in Wednesday's semi-final. The 39-year-old Argentina captain has been in exceptional form, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in six matches at the tournament.
Waddle Predicts Messi's International Retirement
Former Premier League winger Chris Waddle believes Messi will not appear at the 2030 World Cup, suggesting this tournament marks the end of his international career. "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."
Waddle praised Messi's self-awareness: "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."
Messi's World Cup Legacy
Messi is chasing a second World Cup title after his 2022 triumph. Argentina are aiming for back-to-back World Cup titles for the first time since Brazil achieved the feat in 1962. The Inter Miami star is level with Kylian Mbappe on eight goals in the Golden Boot race, with Mbappe edging ahead on the assist tiebreaker (three assists to Messi's two).
England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are close behind with six goals each. The semi-final marks the first time Messi has faced England in his career. A place in the final hangs in the balance, and the tournament has seen FIFA's top four-ranked nations all reach the semi-finals for the first time, thanks to the tennis-style draw that kept them apart until now.
Ronaldo's Retirement Comparison
Messi could soon take the same decision as Cristiano Ronaldo, who announced his retirement from Portugal duty after their World Cup campaign ended with a 1-0 round of 32 defeat to rivals Spain. Ronaldo's exit confirmed he would finish his career without lifting the World Cup trophy. Messi, by contrast, already has one World Cup title and is desperate to go out in triumph.
If this truly is his final shot at the World Cup, Messi will be 43 by the time the 2030 tournament arrives - two years older than Ronaldo was when he featured at this World Cup. Waddle's verdict adds weight to the expectation that Wednesday's semi-final could be Messi's last appearance on the global stage.
