Lionel Messi shows no signs of retiring from professional football. “I love playing football, and I will keep doing it until I simply cannot anymore,” the 38-year-old Argentine said in a YouTube interview with Pollo Alvarez. The superstar’s contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami runs through the end of 2028, meaning he would be 41 by the time it expires.
Messi boasts career numbers of 975 appearances, 796 goals, and 384 assists across all competitions. With 17 World Cup participants aged 39 or older in history, Messi will lead Argentina in defense of their title in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He offered a realistic assessment of his team’s chances: “We know that a World Cup is always difficult because of the caliber of teams involved. We must be hopeful—just like every Argentine is for any official competition, whether it’s the Copa América or the World Cup—but we also have to admit there are other favorites ahead of us who enter the tournament in better form.”
When asked about title contenders, Messi stated: “I think France currently looks very strong again; they have an abundance of top-tier players. I also consider Spain a contender, as well as Brazil—even if they haven’t been in absolute top form lately. I still believe Brazil is always among the contenders and has the necessary players to compete for the title in any major tournament.”
The veteran hopes his former PSG and Barcelona teammate and friend Neymar (34, FC Santos) will feature at the finals. The Brazilian has struggled with injuries and form, missing the Seleção since October 2023. “Of course, I would be very happy if he were at the World Cup and everything went well for him—he deserves it, simply because of the great person he is. I truly hope he can be there,” Messi said. He added that Neymar has a unique charisma. “He doesn’t pretend; he lives his life exactly as it is—following his feelings without worrying about consequences.”