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

[KTChampions]

I think Messi is talented and smart enough but just as a player otherwise, he can't make good decisions as a normal person to have himself show a better face. He could get retire even after the last World Cup when he got the title and everything was good for him and his team. This way he could make people remember him always as a legend, not an old player who is far from his good days.

If he were at least not stupid (as a person and not a player), then he would refuse at least part of the stolen Ballon D'ors. And it is unlikely that he would have made the move to PSG (where he failed and showed his real level). But now it’s too late to speculate, only business interests remain, first the Olympics in Paris, then the World Cup 2026. When hundreds of millions are at stake, this can be understood, although there is still a moral side to the issue, but money outweighs.

[nullama]

~snip~
I think Messi would be smarter if he retires just before the world cup.

He can make a lot of money doing ads and things like that while also just enjoying his life in rich retirement.

There are many new talented players and they should have their opportunity.

I think Messi is talented and smart enough but just as a player otherwise, he can't make good decisions as a normal person to have himself show a better face. He could get retire even after the last World Cup when he got the title and everything was good for him and his team. This way he could make people remember him always as a legend, not an old player who is far from his good days.
[/quote]

Yeah, I agree with you.

But it is probably difficult to stop doing something you have been doing your whole life, and that you are one of the best in the world, enjoy it, and also get paid a lot for doing it.

I don't know, probably it would be a tough spot to be in, but still a good problem to have.

[Docnaster]

~snip~
I think Messi would be smarter if he retires just before the world cup.

He can make a lot of money doing ads and things like that while also just enjoying his life in rich retirement.

There are many new talented players and they should have their opportunity.

I think Messi is talented and smart enough but just as a player otherwise, he can't make good decisions as a normal person to have himself show a better face. He could get retire even after the last World Cup when he got the title and everything was good for him and his team. This way he could make people remember him always as a legend, not an old player who is far from his good days.

Yeah, I agree with you.

But it is probably difficult to stop doing something you have been doing your whole life, and that you are one of the best in the world, enjoy it, and also get paid a lot for doing it.

I don't know, probably it would be a tough spot to be in, but still a good problem to have.
[/quote]
Lionel Messi have achieved everything that's expected of a footballer and today, he's regarded by many as the greatest footballer that's ever graced the beautiful round leather game called football so the decision on when he's going to retire from international football I think is down to his personal choice. We've seen play for Argentina during he international breaks and his contributions to the teams impressive performances further explains that the Argentina national team captain is still very much capable to continue playing for the team.

Though Argentina have other young talented players that are capable of taking over from Messi when he retires, but the experience and leadership qualities of Lionel Messi is still needed in the team and that's why he'll always be part of the Argentina national team until when he finally decides to call it a day in his illustrious and successful international career.

The next edition of the FIFA World Cup is two year away from now and for a player that's currently 36 years of age, there are possibilities that Lionel Messi might feature in that World Cup tournament for his country.

[emrecemsan]

For the life of me, I just can't understand when that starts and doesn't start. I see some questionable offside situations and sometimes they do show it, which is great, it removes all the questions on the minds, but usually five minutes after the situation, like what if that was the wrong call?

Maybe it is not like that in every nation but in UCL that was like that, I watched maybe 20 games this year, and I mean full 90 minutes ones, and in all of them, the semi automated came in like at least 5 minutes later, which means if the ref was wrong, then it would have been too late. And not only that, but it doesn't even come into play each time, sometimes they just don't show it at all, which makes absolutely no sense to me at all.

Yes we are still witnessing that kind of ambiguous situations as well. Just why would you be so sure of your decision and not even leave it to VAR review?

There have been so many examples in many matches since this technology has started to be used.    If there is a huge level of objection by the players to a certain incident then referees shouldn't just be obstinate. I remember quite many incidents turning out to be wrongly evaluated by referees just because of not watching them. Technology isn't their enemy, they should use it more often to make the doubts disappear.

[Marvell1]

For the life of me, I just can't understand when that starts and doesn't start. I see some questionable offside situations and sometimes they do show it, which is great, it removes all the questions on the minds, but usually five minutes after the situation, like what if that was the wrong call?

Maybe it is not like that in every nation but in UCL that was like that, I watched maybe 20 games this year, and I mean full 90 minutes ones, and in all of them, the semi automated came in like at least 5 minutes later, which means if the ref was wrong, then it would have been too late. And not only that, but it doesn't even come into play each time, sometimes they just don't show it at all, which makes absolutely no sense to me at all.

Yes we are still witnessing that kind of ambiguous situations as well. Just why would you be so sure of your decision and not even leave it to VAR review?

There have been so many examples in many matches since this technology has started to be used.    If there is a huge level of objection by the players to a certain incident then referees shouldn't just be obstinate. I remember quite many incidents turning out to be wrongly evaluated by referees just because of not watching them. Technology isn't their enemy, they should use it more often to make the doubts disappear.

Well of course they are not going to take the help of technology if they are getting paid by one of the teams to make sure that the decisions go their way. And we all know that it is not some alien idea. It has been done previously. Even by a lot of litigious clubs.

Clubs like Barcelona has been paying a lot of money to the referees previously to make sure that the results go their way. The thing is Barcelona was very good back then. And the technology was not so advanced. So in the end, we just said that it was "human error" and moved on with our lives. But now we all know that has been happening. And don't get me wrong. I am just using Barcelona as an example. There are other clubs which have done the same thing.

[nullama]

~snip~
I think Messi is talented and smart enough but just as a player otherwise, he can't make good decisions as a normal person to have himself show a better face. He could get retire even after the last World Cup when he got the title and everything was good for him and his team. This way he could make people remember him always as a legend, not an old player who is far from his good days.

Yeah, I think after winning the world cup it was the perfect time to retire.

But we'll see, maybe he's busy with some plans that we are not aware of.

And as I said, he might just simply enjoy it too much, and might continue to play for a long time.

[FanEagle]

Messi may have done all that he could do for, win all the cups with his national team, win all the cups (most of them multiple times) with clubs, won all the personal achievements, broke a record for ballon d'or that is so high that I think it would not be possible for anyone else to ever break in the future.

Basically, that dude is just having fun at this point, not sure how long he will stay at Miami, but I feel like if I hear him just retire and live rest of his life at ease somewhere in Miami for 40 years, I would not be shocked to hear that neither. Dude is basically on vacation, he is making a good chunk of money but nobody expects him to do anything, he just does whatever he wants to do and has fun at this point.

[8rch7]

Messi may have done all that he could do for, win all the cups with his national team, win all the cups (most of them multiple times) with clubs, won all the personal achievements, broke a record for ballon d'or that is so high that I think it would not be possible for anyone else to ever break in the future.

Basically, that dude is just having fun at this point, not sure how long he will stay at Miami, but I feel like if I hear him just retire and live rest of his life at ease somewhere in Miami for 40 years, I would not be shocked to hear that neither. Dude is basically on vacation, he is making a good chunk of money but nobody expects him to do anything, he just does whatever he wants to do and has fun at this point.

Lionel Messi has excited offer receiving with Inter Miami and seems he will be longer there although on his age still get potential for playing with European team, no doubt with Lionel Messi achieving for Argentina national team have won FIFA World Cup 2022, Copa America and get personal achieving by winning 8 time Ballon D'or. I think has difference performance on FIFA World Cup 2026 if Lionel Messi still in the squad Argentina national team, he plays with lower level of domestic league such as MLS League and seems difficult for him giving the best performance from national team.

Left two years before World Cup 2026 start, not bad ideas if Lionel Messi return back to the highest level domestic league competition such as Premier League, La Liga or he could play for Serie A team if want get back his top level performance. Still not late for Lionel Messi return back to most compete league during his age around 36 years old.

[rdluffy]

Source of image

Very important news

FIFA has decided on the stadium for the final, and I was surprised. I thought they were going to choose Dallas, the choice was practically certain, but after more analysis and meetings, FIFA announced that the stadium that will host the 2026 World Cup Final will be the New York New Jersey Stadium, in New Jersey, with a capacity of approximately 82,500 people.

https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/new-york-new-jersey-stadium-host-world-cup-2026-final

What do you think? Was it a good choice?

[Leviathan.007]

Source of image

Very important news

FIFA has decided on the stadium for the final, and I was surprised. I thought they were going to choose Dallas, the choice was practically certain, but after more analysis and meetings, FIFA announced that the stadium that will host the 2026 World Cup Final will be the New York New Jersey Stadium, in New Jersey, with a capacity of approximately 82,500 people.

https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/new-york-new-jersey-stadium-host-world-cup-2026-final

What do you think? Was it a good choice?

This time after every drama we saw in Qatar because of the workers who died of hard work and everything we saw, FIFA decided to let America host the World Cup while other countries while Canada and Mexico also helped them. I think FIFA decided to host the final match in New York where America can organize everything much better however this can make New York very much crowded.

[Rampagoe004]

I remember even in the last World Cup when Argentina won the title some people were expecting to see Messi getting retired after that game from the international matches but he didn't do that. I think Messi is getting old and playing at this age while he is not in good form and making people to have bad memories of this legendary player especially if he plays in an important tournament like the 2026 World Cup for his country.

Messi plays with creativity and calm play. This way of playing really benefits older players like Messi because it means they are not the type of player who relies on physicality such as speed and physical fighting. Messi plays relying on his creativity in creating opportunities and providing assists. This ability is still very much needed by Argentina in the upcoming 2026 world cup. Messi's free kicks are also still dangerous. I think Messi will still shine in the next world cup but of course he won't be able to perform as phenomenally as in the previous edition of the world cup.

[rdluffy]

Hey everyone!
Every time I come to check this thread I end up coming across messages about Messi, whether or not he's going to play in the next World Cup in 2026
Since we are bettors here, and I see that the subject interests a lot, could we create a topic with this bet?
Would you participate?

Obviously by betting money or some crypto and I would research the best way to do it here on the forum (possibly on another board)

[8rch7]

FIFA has decided on the stadium for the final, and I was surprised. I thought they were going to choose Dallas, the choice was practically certain, but after more analysis and meetings, FIFA announced that the stadium that will host the 2026 World Cup Final will be the New York New Jersey Stadium, in New Jersey, with a capacity of approximately 82,500 people.

https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/new-york-new-jersey-stadium-host-world-cup-2026-final

What do you think? Was it a good choice?

Actually not really bad choose as for the final match, the main of FIFA World Cup 2026 for United State and no doubt FIFA have showed the New York New Jersey Stadium as stadium become the final match. I think the stadiums in Canada and Mexico are only complementary to the group phase because important matches such as the final will be played at the United State stadium. Have bigger capacities of approximately 82,500 people is very ideal stadium for the final match in FIFA World Cup 2026 because the final national teams have many of fans come there for giving support for their national team.

Lets make predict or vote which one national team will play in the New York New Jersey Stadium as final match of FIFA World Cup 2026? are there national teams from European, CONMEBOL or any surprised with Asian and African national team for the first time will qualify to final match?  

[Rampagoe004]

Yeah, I think after winning the world cup it was the perfect time to retire.

But we'll see, maybe he's busy with some plans that we are not aware of.

And as I said, he might just simply enjoy it too much, and might continue to play for a long time.

Messi should be able to retire this year and come to the world cup as a spectator. But it looks like Messi really enjoys football and it looks like he will play in the 2026 world cup. And if Messi plays I think he is a smart player and he can rely on his intelligence and leadership for young Argentine players. I think Messi has a big influence on Argentina's young players because of course it will increase their enthusiasm and motivation for the 2026 world cup.

[masulum]

Messi should be able to retire this year and come to the world cup as a spectator. But it looks like Messi really enjoys football and it looks like he will play in the 2026 world cup. And if Messi plays I think he is a smart player and he can rely on his intelligence and leadership for young Argentine players. I think Messi has a big influence on Argentina's young players because of course it will increase their enthusiasm and motivation for the 2026 world cup.

It seems we no longer need to speculate about Messi for the World Cup 2026. Because Messi already said that he would retire to play in the World Cup, i think his statement made 2023. If he doesn't change his decision, then we won't be able to watch Messi play in the next World Cup. Maybe this decision was to end his career as a footballer who competed in the world cup as champion. If he returns to play in the World Cup, then he might not be very happy, if he fails to bring Argentina to the same performance as the previous World Cup. So, retired from playing for the World Cup after winning, will maintain a good history and memories in his career.

[cakravothy]

~snip~
Do you doubt Lionel Messi's current quality? there are not significant level performance for Lionel Messi after leaving Barcelona and joining with PSG success bring Argentina become the winner in FFIA World Cup 2022 Qatar. Lionel Messi still in the top level performance whenever he plays right now he can keep his physical on the top level. But in FIFA World Cup 2026 he will be 38 years old and get little increasing down performance but its not impact with club he plays right now as Inter Miami.

I think has potential with Lionel Messi keep give the positive side for Argentina on next world cup edition if not get injury, Lionel Scaloni as Argentina manager still need him and Lionel Messi plays well for Argentina in World Cup qualifier CONMEBOL zone. Seems not difficult for Lionel Messi become main player for Argentina because not only show his best quality but also he can manage well motivate his team and FIFA World Cup 2026 seems the latest his appearance for national team.

if the performance is seen from individual achievements, namely in scoring goals or team achievements, namely the title, it is clearly decreasing. while at inter miami in official league matches only scored 1 goal, it is clear that his performance has decreased. in terms of team achievements, inter miami is in the caretaker of the last place in the MLS American league.

[nullama]

~snip~
It seems we no longer need to speculate about Messi for the World Cup 2026. Because Messi already said that he would retire to play in the World Cup, i think his statement made 2023. If he doesn't change his decision, then we won't be able to watch Messi play in the next World Cup. Maybe this decision was to end his career as a footballer who competed in the world cup as champion. If he returns to play in the World Cup, then he might not be very happy, if he fails to bring Argentina to the same performance as the previous World Cup. So, retired from playing for the World Cup after winning, will maintain a good history and memories in his career.

I think he mentioned that at the time but has since changed his mind.

Probably he got a nice contract or something like that.

Can't blame him really. Getting paid a lot of money for doing something you enjoy is great.

[Sithara007]

It seems we no longer need to speculate about Messi for the World Cup 2026. Because Messi already said that he would retire to play in the World Cup, i think his statement made 2023. If he doesn't change his decision, then we won't be able to watch Messi play in the next World Cup. Maybe this decision was to end his career as a footballer who competed in the world cup as champion. If he returns to play in the World Cup, then he might not be very happy, if he fails to bring Argentina to the same performance as the previous World Cup. So, retired from playing for the World Cup after winning, will maintain a good history and memories in his career.

IMO, it will be wise for Messi to not to participate in the FIFA World Cup of 2026. He will be forever known as the player who captained Argentina to the trophy in 2022. A poor performance in 2026 can ruin that reputation. Let the younger players such as Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández and Nicolás González take over the responsibility. Messi will be 39 years at the time of 2026 World Cup, and I seriously doubt whether he will be in prime form. What about coaching the Argentina national football team in 2026? 

[Zigabel]

Messi may have done all that he could do for, win all the cups with his national team, win all the cups (most of them multiple times) with clubs, won all the personal achievements, broke a record for ballon d'or that is so high that I think it would not be possible for anyone else to ever break in the future.

Basically, that dude is just having fun at this point, not sure how long he will stay at Miami, but I feel like if I hear him just retire and live rest of his life at ease somewhere in Miami for 40 years, I would not be shocked to hear that neither. Dude is basically on vacation, he is making a good chunk of money but nobody expects him to do anything, he just does whatever he wants to do and has fun at this point.

It's no news that Messi has gotten to that stage in football were he chooses to do whatever it is he's doing at any time, he doesn't wait to be told or been supervised and LL that, one persons are hoping to see him play in the next world cup but the look of things a d how he's been taking on he's career I think it's greatly on him to decide if he's still going to consider a career in football up till then , man just be on holidays and can at anytime leave if he wants, except for the world cup for a second time which might not be a very big deal to him after all, he's got almost all other trophies more than once so he's peaked his career already and waiting to exit at will any time.

His retirement coming in at anytime shouldn't be considered a shock and wouldn't be considered such to me as it's in anticipation for quite a period of time now, at inter Miami he doesn't stress much and gradually age is telling upon him so man is due for retirement.

[Leviathan.007]

It seems we no longer need to speculate about Messi for the World Cup 2026. Because Messi already said that he would retire to play in the World Cup, i think his statement made 2023. If he doesn't change his decision, then we won't be able to watch Messi play in the next World Cup. Maybe this decision was to end his career as a footballer who competed in the world cup as champion. If he returns to play in the World Cup, then he might not be very happy, if he fails to bring Argentina to the same performance as the previous World Cup. So, retired from playing for the World Cup after winning, will maintain a good history and memories in his career.

IMO, it will be wise for Messi to not to participate in the FIFA World Cup of 2026. He will be forever known as the player who captained Argentina to the trophy in 2022. A poor performance in 2026 can ruin that reputation. Let the younger players such as Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández and Nicolás González take over the responsibility. Messi will be 39 years at the time of 2026 World Cup, and I seriously doubt whether he will be in prime form. What about coaching the Argentina national football team in 2026? 

Playing in the 2026 World Cup won't give anything extra to Messi and he will be a player who is old and from his good days also we can't expect him to have good performance anymore. Instead of Messi, they can think about using younger players with younger ages and build the team for the next years of Argentina.