Lionel Messi has firmly dismissed the possibility of playing in the 2030 FIFA World Cup after stealing the spotlight with a stunning hat-trick in Argentina's opening match of the 2026 tournament against Algeria.
The Argentine captain produced a masterclass performance, scoring three goals in 80 minutes to lead the defending champions to victory and once again prove that age is just a number. At nearly 39 years old, Messi continues to defy expectations on football's biggest stage.
The hat-trick also saw Messi draw level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose among the World Cup's all-time leading scorers. In addition, he became the first player in history to appear in six FIFA World Cups.
After the match, Messi was asked whether fans could expect to see him at the 2030 World Cup. Responding to a question from Argentine outlet TyC Sports in the mixed zone, Messi laughed before giving a clear answer.
"No, no, that's impossible," Messi said.
Even before taking the field against Algeria, Messi had already owned several World Cup records. With his appearance in the match, he officially became the first footballer in history to play in six World Cups.
On the same day, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo also joined the exclusive six-World-Cup club, further adding to a historic chapter in international football.
While Messi appears set to bring the curtain down on his World Cup journey after 2026, his latest performance showed that he remains one of the game's greatest stars, continuing to make history with every appearance.
FP/MI
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