Lionel Messi set for sixth World Cup — but what will his role be?

Dubai: Lionel Messi is preparing for one final shot at World Cup glory — not to chase a dream this time, but to lend his magic one more time to Argentina’s cause.

An Argentine official confirmed in Dubai this week that Messi will be part of the squad for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada. It will be his sixth World Cup campaign, a record-breaking milestone. But with Messi turning 39 during the tournament, one key question looms: What will his role be?

Many believed Messi would retire from international football after fulfilling his lifelong dream by lifting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He was 35 then, and at the peak of his powers, guiding Argentina to their first world title in 36 years. It was a storybook ending.

But Messi didn’t walk away. He kept playing — and winning. Argentina clinched another international title at the 2024 Copa America, though he limped off injured in the final. Unlike his standout roles in the 2021 Copa and 2022 World Cup, Messi was not the central figure this time — a sign of the team’s evolution and his gradual shift in role.

The Argentina squad today is more like a family than a national team. Lionel Scaloni has built a system that doesn’t depend solely on Messi anymore. The team is cohesive, balanced and deep.

Veterans like Angel Di Maria have retired, but the core remains intact: Emi Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Cristian Romero — all now more mature and experienced. Talents like Thiago Almada and Franco Mastantuono are rising, and crucially, Argentina thrashed Brazil 4-0 in World Cup qualifying without Messi.

It means Scaloni now has the luxury to manage Messi’s minutes: start him when needed, bring him on as a super-sub, or even rest him entirely.

Scaloni has the resources to chase back-to-back World Cup titles — a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1958 and 1962. But let’s be realistic: France, Spain, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, Germany, England, and Brazil will all be strong contenders alongside Argentina. Among them, 40-year-old Ronaldo, who recently led Portugal to the Nations League title, will be especially eager to emulate Messi’s 2022 triumph.

Messi may have slowed down a bit, but the intelligence and vision remain untouched. Watch his through ball to Jordi Alba against New York Red Bulls — a reminder that even at 38, he sees spaces others don’t.

He continues to dominate in the MLS, scoring for fun and creating with ease. Yes, the level is lower, but it keeps him fit and firing. Perhaps, playing a few months in a more competitive league could further sharpen him ahead of 2026.

Unlike his previous World Cup appearances, this time Messi has nothing to prove. The pressure is off. He will play with joy, not burden — and that could make him even more dangerous.

He’ll be happy to play any role — starter, sub, leader in the dressing room. Scaloni and Messi both understand what’s best for the team. That flexibility might be Argentina’s biggest weapon.

So don’t write him off yet.

Messi knows he’s not the same player. But his mind, his feet, and his heart can still change games. If his minutes are managed wisely, he could still be one of the stars of the 2026 World Cup.

This will be his last dance. And if anyone can make it a memorable one, it’s Lionel Messi.