Argentina legend Juan Roman Riquelme reveals crucial info regarding Lionel Messi playing the 2026 World Cup

Argentina legend Juan Roman Riquelme recently revealed information about Lionel Messi and his availability for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Argentina legend Juan Roman Riquelme reveals crucial info regarding Lionel Messi playing the 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi will play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as per Juan Roman Riquelme (Via X/@InterMiamiCF)

Lionel Messi is arguably the biggest legend in Argentina’s rich footballing history. The 37-year-old has led La Albiceleste to several major titles, with the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa America being the most recent. As age starts to catch up with the Inter Miami captain, fans have begun to wonder whether he’ll be in the picture by the time the 2026 World Cup comes around.

Messi is yet to make an appearance for Argentina after picking up a serious ankle injury in the Copa America final versus Colombia. Paulo Dybala donned the No.10 instead of Messi, as fans were given a trailer of what to expect without him. However, former Argentina international and legendary midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme insisted that Messi will lead the reigning World Cup champions onto the pitch in the USA in 2026.

Messi is reinventing himself. I have no doubt that he’ll play in the next World Cup. We’ll be rooting for him to play.

Juan Roman Riquelme told Juan Roman Riquelme (H/T: GOAL)

Riquelme also pointed to Messi’s competitiveness and desire to win as driving factors for his claim. The No. 10 recently returned from a long spell on the sidelines, and topped it off with two goals and an assist against Philadelphia Union.

14-year-old Man City bound Cavan Sullivan meets ‘idol’ Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is an idol to many, both on and off the pitch. 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan is a star to watch out for, with Premier League giants Manchester City having already secured his signature when he turns 18. The Philadelphia Union star sat on the bench as Messi crushed his side in the MLS, as Miami edged closer to another title.

Messi & Cavan Sullivan
Leo Messi and Cavan Sullivan posed for a picture after Miami beat Philadelphia Union 4-1 (Via X/@PhilaUnion)

The 3-1 defeat did not stop Sullivan from posing for a picture with the No.10, which he proceeded to post on social media. The teenager referred to Messi as his idol and once even posted a picture of him with one of Messi’s Ballon d’Ors. Surprisingly, Sullivan was born in 2009, September 28, just a day before Messi scored the 100th goal of his career.

Back to his best, Messi will now look to add a record 45th team trophy to his cabinet. The Herons are just four wins away from securing the Supporters’ Shield. With 62 points from 28 games, it looks all the more likely that Inter Miami will soon secure the second trophy in its history since the arrival of Messi. Miami take on Atlanta United on Wednesday in the MLS.