Lionel Messi is preparing for his first and possibly last game against England, but he does not expect the Argentina legend to play in the 2030 World Cup, according to former Premier League winger Chris Waddle. Messi is preparing to face the Three Lions in Wednesday night’s semi-final (kick-off 8pm).
The Inter Miami star was a key player for the Argentina national team, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in six games. Messi, 39, is in exceptional form but could soon make the same decision as Cristiano Ronaldo to call time on his international career. Ronaldo announced his retirement from the Portugal national team after Portugal’s World Cup match ended in a 1-0 loss to rivals Spain in the Round of 32. This result ensured that Ronaldo will end his career without lifting a trophy.
Messi, in contrast, is aiming for a second World Cup title after winning in 2022, but Waddle suggested this could be his last chance. “No, I don’t think he will play[in the 2030 World Cup],” Waddle told 10bet. “He was going back and forth about this tournament and said he wasn’t sure if he wanted to play or if he was committed to it, but towards the end of the season he changed his mind.
“What I like about Messi is that he knows his limits. If he thinks the team is better off without him, he will step aside. If I see him as a player at the next World Cup, I will be very surprised.”
“You might see him there as Argentina’s ambassador, but you won’t see him on the pitch. It’s only four years away. This will be his last World Cup.”
The Argentina legend will be 43 years old by the time the 2030 World Cup comes around. He is two years older than Ronaldo was when he entered this tournament. If this is indeed his last chance at a World Cup, he will be desperate to win, especially with England standing in his way for the first time in his career.
With a place in the final in jeopardy, Argentina are chasing back-to-back World Cup titles for the first time since Brazil achieved the feat in 1962. The Argentine superstar is tied with Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race with eight goals, while the Frenchman has scored three goals and extended his lead in the assist tie-break, one more than Messi.
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham were right behind them with six goals each, making the tournament a true clash of giants. And for the first time ever, the top four countries in the FIFA rankings all advanced to the semi-finals, thanks to the tennis-style draw that has traditionally separated countries.
