Teammates ask Messi to stay with the national team if Argentina wins the World Cup

As the team celebrated on the pitch at Atlanta's stadium (USA), Romero turned to Messi and said, "If we win the championship, will you stay for a few more years?" The comment drew only a smile from Messi, but the moment quickly spread on social media, reflecting the teammates' desire to continue playing alongside their captain.

Messi has repeatedly stated that the 2026 World Cup will be the last of his career. At age 39, the Argentine superstar says age makes it difficult for him to continue competing in the world's biggest football event. Although Argentina is set to be one of six co-hosts for the 2030 World Cup alongside Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, Messi believes it would be very challenging for him to participate in that tournament at age 43.

Nevertheless, Argentina's players are still reluctant to imagine the national team without their captain, who has been with them for nearly two decades. Romero's suggestion, though made in jest, is seen as recognition of Messi's unique influence—both in terms of skill and team spirit—in the locker room.

At the 2026 World Cup held in the US, Mexico, and Canada, Messi has once again proven his class, leading Argentina to the final. The 1987-born forward has scored eight goals so far, tying for the Golden Boot lead with French striker Kylian Mbappé, silencing any doubts about his form before the tournament.

Argentina will enter the final with the aim of defending the title they won at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, seeking their fourth world championship in history.