FIFA World Cup 2026 :Canada/Mexico/United States: Discussion Thread

[tiCeR]

How can you say that he will not be responsible? He captained the Argentine squad in 2022 during Qatar World Cup. And if he reverses his decision and takes part in the 2026 edition, then obviously he will be the captain. Perhaps this is also one of the reasons why Messi stated that he won't be part of the squad for 2026 World Cup. If something goes wrong, then he will end his international career on a bad note. And by 2026, he maybe well past his prime and I am not sure whether he will be able to play as good as he is doing now.

The fact that the peak of Messi is far behind is already visible now (it has been seen for a long time lol), and not participating in the World Cup 2026 is a reasonable decision. The problem is that he is a big brand and his participation will be beneficial for the organizers and everyone in general (except for the Argentinean national team), so one way or another he can be persuaded to participate.

His peak is behind and I agree with that, but he is still a great contributor to a team. I am not going to start the discussion whether he should play another World Cup in 2026 or not. I am not making that decision and therefore I am fine with whatever will be decided then.

But you said something that is very important to consider. Messi is a global brand! If he is healthy enough and also strong enough to play the World Cup, his sponsors also have a genuine interest in seeing Messi play the World Cup. They could offer him additional bonuses if he decides to play it. There are lots of tools to persuade him and I think the most important tool is his engagement in the MLS itself. If he is in shape and still playing for Inter Miami, the effect it would have if he participates would be of significant importance to the MLS, but also to the hosts of the 2026 World Cup, including the USA of course. It won't be an easy decision for him because there will be a lot of external influence. I call it influence instead of pressure because I believe that Messi is in a position to decide what he thinks is best, but there is still pressure as well from outsiders.

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[KTChampions]

The fact that the peak of Messi is far behind is already visible now (it has been seen for a long time lol), and not participating in the World Cup 2026 is a reasonable decision. The problem is that he is a big brand and his participation will be beneficial for the organizers and everyone in general (except for the Argentinean national team), so one way or another he can be persuaded to participate.

Even the Argentinian team benefits as I am sure that even now his jersey is the one that is the most sold by a wide margin, especially now that he finally won a world cup, now I have said it before but I think that taking Messi to the 2026 world cup even if his skill level was lower than what it is now is not such a bad idea, as long as you can keep him on the bench then you could always put him on the field when you expect a penalty shootout to happen and basically secure a score in this way, which is a massive advantage when a match gets to those instances.

Given that the upcoming World Cup group stage will be weaker than usual (although how it can be even more weaker haha?), then he can play all 90 minutes in the group stage and this will not harm anyone and will please all fans  As for the playoff stage, it is dangerous to play such games, but against a weak opponent or with a good score, you can take risks.

~Messi is a global brand! If he is healthy enough and also strong enough to play the World Cup, his sponsors also have a genuine interest in seeing Messi play the World Cup. They could offer him additional bonuses if he decides to play it. There are lots of tools to persuade him and I think the most important tool is his engagement in the MLS itself. If he is in shape and still playing for Inter Miami, the effect it would have if he participates would be of significant importance to the MLS, but also to the hosts of the 2026 World Cup, including the USA of course. It won't be an easy decision for him because there will be a lot of external influence. I call it influence instead of pressure because I believe that Messi is in a position to decide what he thinks is best, but there is still pressure as well from outsiders.

Yep! Now I think about it even more and maybe his move to the MLS is a strategic move that will be even more profitable even against the background that he turned down contracts from Saudi Arabia? If so, then this is a sophisticated game involving several sides at once, and Messi’s “triumphant” refusal of not returning* to the national team should be expected very close to 2026.

* I hope everyone will understand me correctly, since double negation in English is taken into account differently than in many others.

[casperBGD]

-snip
The problem is that he is a big brand and his participation will be beneficial for the organizers and everyone in general (except for the Argentinean national team), so one way or another he can be persuaded to participate.

yeah, Messi is a big brand and would increase viewership for sure
but, his experience will also be a good thing for Argentine team, although I don't see them as potential winner

defending title is not so often, and they seem not good enough to do that

[Leviathan.007]

I agree that the stadiums in USA is a lot better and that's why it is more heavily there, it makes sense in the end because they have the population, the money, the infrastructure and everything else ready. Mexico is not a rich nation neither, and we all know about cartels too which is already enough of a trouble. I know not enough people talk about this because media doesn't want it to be talked about and they all zip it before it starts, but we need to talk about it.

Left three years later before FIFA World Cup 2026 begin and seems host countries have enough time for preparing their stadium for World Cup, no doubt with United State has better stadium than two host countries Canada or Mexico but almost United State stadium seems not better than last host World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

But Canada and United State are rich countries and seems easy for them in short time for renovation the stadium and Mexico have submitted with their stadium used for World Cup 2026. But difference with next World Cup on 2026 because not any bad news publishing until right now because last edition before World Cup 2022 begin many bad news publishing by European player and many of the not agree Qatar as the host for World Cup 2022.

Three years is enough for a country to repair the stadiums and make them ready for the world cup I think the USA got everything to host the world cup in the best situation. They got enough stadiums and sports facilities also they have enough good hotels to host the world cup visitors in their country.
Even America is in a situation to host the world cup by itself without other players.

[n0ne]

I agree that the stadiums in USA is a lot better and that's why it is more heavily there, it makes sense in the end because they have the population, the money, the infrastructure and everything else ready. Mexico is not a rich nation neither, and we all know about cartels too which is already enough of a trouble. I know not enough people talk about this because media doesn't want it to be talked about and they all zip it before it starts, but we need to talk about it.

Left three years later before FIFA World Cup 2026 begin and seems host countries have enough time for preparing their stadium for World Cup, no doubt with United State has better stadium than two host countries Canada or Mexico but almost United State stadium seems not better than last host World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

But Canada and United State are rich countries and seems easy for them in short time for renovation the stadium and Mexico have submitted with their stadium used for World Cup 2026. But difference with next World Cup on 2026 because not any bad news publishing until right now because last edition before World Cup 2022 begin many bad news publishing by European player and many of the not agree Qatar as the host for World Cup 2022.

Three years is enough for a country to repair the stadiums and make them ready for the world cup I think the USA got everything to host the world cup in the best situation. They got enough stadiums and sports facilities also they have enough good hotels to host the world cup visitors in their country.
Even America is in a situation to host the world cup by itself without other players.

Canada have got just two venue, Mexico have got three venue. So maintenance and making arrangements won't be a big deal for the hosts. With the advanced technology every arrangements can be made in a much shorter time period. Qatar didn't had the infrastructure, and for that reason it needs lot of time and they made it a big celebration. The fulfillment that Qatar gave could've increased the expectation on USA, Canada and Mexico.

[Jody.Drummer]

-snip
The problem is that he is a big brand and his participation will be beneficial for the organizers and everyone in general (except for the Argentinean national team), so one way or another he can be persuaded to participate.

yeah, Messi is a big brand and would increase viewership for sure
but, his experience will also be a good thing for Argentine team, although I don't see them as potential winner

defending title is not so often, and they seem not good enough to do that

Lionel Messi is currently a football icon, apart from Lionel Messi there is the name Cristiano Ronaldo who also has a large fan base and he is also a football icon. Their presence will surely invite many people to see it, of course the attractiveness of these two players has its own charm for football connoisseurs. Although now he is old and most likely a few more seasons will completely stop being a professional player.

I agree with you, that not only is he a football icon, he also has a lot of positive impact on the team when he is in the squad. Surely other players who play with him will be more motivated to be able to give the best from their performances.

[Daniel91]

-snip
The problem is that he is a big brand and his participation will be beneficial for the organizers and everyone in general (except for the Argentinean national team), so one way or another he can be persuaded to participate.

yeah, Messi is a big brand and would increase viewership for sure
but, his experience will also be a good thing for Argentine team, although I don't see them as potential winner

defending title is not so often, and they seem not good enough to do that

Lionel Messi is currently a football icon, apart from Lionel Messi there is the name Cristiano Ronaldo who also has a large fan base and he is also a football icon. Their presence will surely invite many people to see it, of course the attractiveness of these two players has its own charm for football connoisseurs. Although now he is old and most likely a few more seasons will completely stop being a professional player.

I agree with you, that not only is he a football icon, he also has a lot of positive impact on the team when he is in the squad. Surely other players who play with him will be more motivated to be able to give the best from their performances.

Messi is a soccer icon in Argentina, almost like Jesus.
When Messi thought about giving up playing for the national team a few years ago, it was almost a national tragedy.
His influence on the Argentine national team is huge and if he had not played for Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar, I think Argentina would not have become world champions.
On that side, I think it would be very important for Argentina that Messi be part of their team at the next World Cup, even if he won't play for the national team.

[tiCeR]

Yep! Now I think about it even more and maybe his move to the MLS is a strategic move that will be even more profitable even against the background that he turned down contracts from Saudi Arabia? If so, then this is a sophisticated game involving several sides at once, and Messi’s “triumphant” refusal of not returning* to the national team should be expected very close to 2026.

* I hope everyone will understand me correctly, since double negation in English is taken into account differently than in many others.

You get the idea"

I think that this is a sophisticated game, yes. I am not sure about his return to the national team, but I am sure that he is making money that is in similar spheres than the contracts from Saudi Arabia and those contracts in the USA will be long-term contracts that guarantee him income for whatever is related to him and has to do with soccer. Seriously, this guy isn't putting down his signature for anything below value. He doesn't need to, in comparison to other sports stars he deserved where he is now. Federer is the same in tennis. Whether it is strange or not when he signs a 300 million dollar deal with a sponsor, these are the amounts that the stars can rake in. Messi has done the same and when he says it was not about the money for him, I believe him. It was not about 500 million at the end of each year, but maybe it was about 2 billion over the course of the next 8 years. The whole Saudi Arabia thing isn't even dead yet. Messi will forever be the guy with 7 Ballon d'Ors. They will try to do business with him around the year 2030 no matter what he is doing in between.

[KTChampions]

Yep! Now I think about it even more and maybe his move to the MLS is a strategic move that will be even more profitable even against the background that he turned down contracts from Saudi Arabia? If so, then this is a sophisticated game involving several sides at once, and Messi’s “triumphant” refusal of not returning* to the national team should be expected very close to 2026.

* I hope everyone will understand me correctly, since double negation in English is taken into account differently than in many others.

You get the idea"

I think that this is a sophisticated game, yes. I am not sure about his return to the national team, but I am sure that he is making money that is in similar spheres than the contracts from Saudi Arabia and those contracts in the USA will be long-term contracts that guarantee him income for whatever is related to him and has to do with soccer. Seriously, this guy isn't putting down his signature for anything below value. He doesn't need to, in comparison to other sports stars he deserved where he is now. Federer is the same in tennis. Whether it is strange or not when he signs a 300 million dollar deal with a sponsor, these are the amounts that the stars can rake in. Messi has done the same and when he says it was not about the money for him, I believe him. It was not about 500 million at the end of each year, but maybe it was about 2 billion over the course of the next 8 years. The whole Saudi Arabia thing isn't even dead yet. Messi will forever be the guy with 7 Ballon d'Ors. They will try to do business with him around the year 2030 no matter what he is doing in between.

I think that he will get the 8th, although it will again be very scandalous 

In general, when I think about such amounts, I wonder whether inflation destroys value already and this is sign of catastrophe in economic, or now, in the information age, celebrities really "cost" that much. If you go back at least 10 years in the past and tell someone that football players can earn so much, then you will simply be considered crazy 

[Maslate]

-snip
The problem is that he is a big brand and his participation will be beneficial for the organizers and everyone in general (except for the Argentinean national team), so one way or another he can be persuaded to participate.

yeah, Messi is a big brand and would increase viewership for sure
but, his experience will also be a good thing for Argentine team, although I don't see them as potential winner

defending title is not so often, and they seem not good enough to do that

Lionel Messi is currently a football icon, apart from Lionel Messi there is the name Cristiano Ronaldo who also has a large fan base and he is also a football icon. Their presence will surely invite many people to see it, of course the attractiveness of these two players has its own charm for football connoisseurs. Although now he is old and most likely a few more seasons will completely stop being a professional player.

I agree with you, that not only is he a football icon, he also has a lot of positive impact on the team when he is in the squad. Surely other players who play with him will be more motivated to be able to give the best from their performances.

Messi is a soccer icon in Argentina, almost like Jesus.
When Messi thought about giving up playing for the national team a few years ago, it was almost a national tragedy.
His influence on the Argentine national team is huge and if he had not played for Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar, I think Argentina would not have become world champions.
On that side, I think it would be very important for Argentina that Messi be part of their team at the next World Cup, even if he won't play for the national team.

It is too early to say that he will indeed retire from his national team for good and will not play anymore in the upcoming world cup tournament, and will just give his focus in his current team which is the Inter-Miami while spending some more time with his family in the US.

I mean, it is not really the first time where Messi said that he will retire and if I recall it correctly, he said the same thing after the disappointment loss against Chile in the Copa America in 2016.

[noormcs5]

Messi is a soccer icon in Argentina, almost like Jesus.
When Messi thought about giving up playing for the national team a few years ago, it was almost a national tragedy.
His influence on the Argentine national team is huge and if he had not played for Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar, I think Argentina would not have become world champions.
On that side, I think it would be very important for Argentina that Messi be part of their team at the next World Cup, even if he won't play for the national team.

No doubt Messi is a world class player and his presence in the Argentina team is a boost for the team itself and a threat for the opposition but i do not understand the logic to take him to the next world cup but he won't be playing in the matches   What is the purpose of such a move when a player won't be able to participate? This means you are just occupying a slot of a player who will have no contribution to the team.

Also note that the opposition will soon realize that Messi is with the team but he won't be playing and this thing will only boost the confidence of the opponents. I fail to get this idea.

[Vaskiy]

~
It is too early to say that he will indeed retire from his national team for good and will not play anymore in the upcoming world cup tournament, and will just give his focus in his current team which is the Inter-Miami while spending some more time with his family in the US.

I mean, it is not really the first time where Messi said that he will retire and if I recall it correctly, he said the same thing after the disappointment loss against Chile in the Copa America in 2016.

We shouldn't be judgemental on his retirement. During the year 2016 he announced the retirement after the loss against Chile as he missed a penalty. From the incident itself we can understand the reason for which he had announced the retirement. More 7 years played and he'll be more mature enough and won't easily end up in a simple manner. He is well and good at the moment, more three years is really a big question and the answer can be known only as by that time and we shouldn't be judgemental now itself.

[youdacapt]

It is too early to say that he will indeed retire from his national team for good and will not play anymore in the upcoming world cup tournament, and will just give his focus in his current team which is the Inter-Miami while spending some more time with his family in the US.

I mean, it is not really the first time where Messi said that he will retire and if I recall it correctly, he said the same thing after the disappointment loss against Chile in the Copa America in 2016.

From the available signs; it is looking increasingly certain that both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would participate at the next world cup in Canada/Mexico/United States. Either they are fit to play, or fit for the bench sides; both iconic players will appear at the worldcup; i believe it will be their final international and football appearance.

The coming worldcup is one that will be super interesting and also epic. Theres so much to look forward to!

[nullama]

~snip~
From the available signs; it is looking increasingly certain that both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would participate at the next world cup in Canada/Mexico/United States. Either they are fit to play, or fit for the bench sides; both iconic players will appear at the worldcup; i believe it will be their final international and football appearance.

The coming worldcup is one that will be super interesting and also epic. Theres so much to look forward to!

From what I've read there's nothing set in stone yet. Both players might retire before the next world cup as well, who knows.

Personally I would prefer Messi to retire and give this opportunity to the new generation of players.

[Leviathan.007]

From the available signs; it is looking increasingly certain that both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would participate at the next world cup in Canada/Mexico/United States. Either they are fit to play, or fit for the bench sides; both iconic players will appear at the worldcup; i believe it will be their final international and football appearance.

The coming worldcup is one that will be super interesting and also epic. Theres so much to look forward to!

Not just some players like Ronaldo and Messi, but many other players even at younger age won't play in the next world cup and doesn't matter how good they perform currently but the fact about these players is they are getting older and there is three years left for the next world cup in America and during this time these players can get even older and their performance will definitely decrease.
Instead of talking about these players, I think their national teams should start working on younger talents and me them ready.

[Jody.Drummer]

It is too early to say that he will indeed retire from his national team for good and will not play anymore in the upcoming world cup tournament, and will just give his focus in his current team which is the Inter-Miami while spending some more time with his family in the US.

I mean, it is not really the first time where Messi said that he will retire and if I recall it correctly, he said the same thing after the disappointment loss against Chile in the Copa America in 2016.

Ah yes, I also remember this where he also intends to retire from the Argentina national team when he failed with Argentina, and that happened a few years back. But considering his age at that time was not what it is now, so he decided to come back, and it is different from now where he is older, and also he has won a World Cup title which is a complement to the titles he got while playing football.
I wouldn't say that he will actually retire, and on the other hand it's possible that he will considering he seems to have put his family first.

[Daniel91]

Messi is a soccer icon in Argentina, almost like Jesus.
When Messi thought about giving up playing for the national team a few years ago, it was almost a national tragedy.
His influence on the Argentine national team is huge and if he had not played for Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar, I think Argentina would not have become world champions.
On that side, I think it would be very important for Argentina that Messi be part of their team at the next World Cup, even if he won't play for the national team.

No doubt Messi is a world class player and his presence in the Argentina team is a boost for the team itself and a threat for the opposition but i do not understand the logic to take him to the next world cup but he won't be playing in the matches   What is the purpose of such a move when a player won't be able to participate? This means you are just occupying a slot of a player who will have no contribution to the team.

Also note that the opposition will soon realize that Messi is with the team but he won't be playing and this thing will only boost the confidence of the opponents. I fail to get this idea.

Ok, I expressed myself in the wrong way, sorry about it.
I actually wanted to say that in 3 years Messi will be much older and probably physically and mentally not at today's top level of football.
Of course, even such a Messi will be better than most other players and he will be able to help the Argentine national team as a player, but he will hardly be able to play all the games from start to finish like in Qatar.
However, even such a Messi, who will play less, will still be a leader on the field and mean a lot to his team.

[tusandii]

~snip~
From the available signs; it is looking increasingly certain that both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would participate at the next world cup in Canada/Mexico/United States. Either they are fit to play, or fit for the bench sides; both iconic players will appear at the worldcup; i believe it will be their final international and football appearance.

The coming worldcup is one that will be super interesting and also epic. Theres so much to look forward to!

From what I've read there's nothing set in stone yet. Both players might retire before the next world cup as well, who knows.

Personally I would prefer Messi to retire and give this opportunity to the new generation of players.

The 2026 World Cup is still three years away and it is very likely that the two stars who have always been rivals will retire from their respective national teams.
After all, Portugal and Argentina also have other young and talented star players, making it possible to strengthen the national team without the presence of old players like Ronaldo and Messi.

Many rumors also say that these two players will actually retire and leave football before the World Cup begins.

[Bobrox]

It is too early to say that he will indeed retire from his national team for good and will not play anymore in the upcoming world cup tournament, and will just give his focus in his current team which is the Inter-Miami while spending some more time with his family in the US.

I mean, it is not really the first time where Messi said that he will retire and if I recall it correctly, he said the same thing after the disappointment loss against Chile in the Copa America in 2016.

Lionel Messi is important player for Argentina national team won FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, its no doubt about how many time his announcement retired from national teams but he has bigger contribution for winning World Cup 2022 tittle in Qatar. Its logic for some player retired from national teams when losing on important match exactly when Lionel Messi failing in final 2014 after defeating by Germany national teams.

For FIFA World Cup 2026 still early speculated will Messi get participants or not, due still on the top performance with his teams Inter Miami, Messi always get position in Argentina national team.

[freedomgo]

It is too early to say that he will indeed retire from his national team for good and will not play anymore in the upcoming world cup tournament, and will just give his focus in his current team which is the Inter-Miami while spending some more time with his family in the US.

I mean, it is not really the first time where Messi said that he will retire and if I recall it correctly, he said the same thing after the disappointment loss against Chile in the Copa America in 2016.

Ah yes, I also remember this where he also intends to retire from the Argentina national team when he failed with Argentina, and that happened a few years back. But considering his age at that time was not what it is now, so he decided to come back, and it is different from now where he is older, and also he has won a World Cup title which is a complement to the titles he got while playing football.
I wouldn't say that he will actually retire, and on the other hand it's possible that he will considering he seems to have put his family first.

Considering a retirement would be the ideal term for Messi's situation even if he already said that he will no longer join the Argentina in the 2026 World Cup and just like what @Maslate said above, it is not the first time that he said about his retirement in the national team, so I think that is already a clear sign that there is still a chance that Messi will participate together with his team because it will be an honor for him and for his team to defend the championship.