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

[Leviathan.007]

I dont know how MEssi is gonna arrive to the next World CUp, right now he is in good level but i see him being so much tired than before, and with two years more ahead, is gonna be dificult to see him playing at high level, clearly he can still play in one leg or stary in one position and keep being a key player but can be more complicated than that.

It is often said that no one is born with talent, but talent comes from a lot of practice. So Messi is a good player because he's been playing since he was very young, but he's playing in a much lower league like the US league and to make matters worse he's playing for one of the worst teams in the US league, so I don't see that being something he'll do with May Messi's talent be the same. and see that even if messi were 25 years old, and he played in that US team and league, he wouldn't have much talent, he wouldn't be a good football player. Now let's add Messi's age, I see that Messi should retire from football, because I don't see any reason why he is still being called up for the Argentine national team when he is currently on the worst team in the USA and he has already achieved everything there is. high in football.

You have to leave room for other players to shine. Honestly, calling Messi for the next World Cup is something very exaggerated in my opinion. It would seem that in Argentina there are no good players capable of winning without Messi, which is not true. Looking at Argentina's squad in comparison to the squad of many other national teams, it is clear that Argentina has a good squad capable of competing with other teams without needing Messi. If a national team doesn't make room for other players, then how can younger players dream of one day playing for the national team?

I believe that the Argentine coach should start thinking about making room for other good players. Even when Dybala is called up to the Argentine national team, he never plays for at least 5 minutes. I don't understand why Argentina's coach doesn't let him play. So it's very strange that they call Messi who plays for a much inferior US team and play 90 minutes, but leave Dybala on the bench who plays for a good Italian team. I know Messi is a prodigy, but they could at least allow the other players to play in friendlies and in serious games they could at least play 10 minutes

Using new players and getting the old players retired is a part of football and we can't deny it. In fact, when players get old they should think about finding a replacement for that player instead of just trying to use that old player, maybe we are talking about a player like Messi and maybe Ronaldo but one reason for people to have an interest in watching next World Cups is they want to see the new and younger players playing for their teams and Argentina should do the same and try using other talents instead of Messi in 2026.

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[Rampagoe004]

Using new players and getting the old players retired is a part of football and we can't deny it. In fact, when players get old they should think about finding a replacement for that player instead of just trying to use that old player, maybe we are talking about a player like Messi and maybe Ronaldo but one reason for people to have an interest in watching next World Cups is they want to see the new and younger players playing for their teams and Argentina should do the same and try using other talents instead of Messi in 2026.

There will always be young players who replace old players in the history of football. Although we all admit that we have seen one of the best rivalries in football. But we cannot continue to live in memories of the past. Their era is over. Currently there are many young stars who have great talent and will shine in the 2026 world cup. Of course we can't compare with the two GOATs, but at least we can still enjoy football without Messi and Ronaldo in the future.

[Zigabel]

Soon we are going to see a match between the two teams Inter Miami and Al Nassr and I think in this match we are going to see Messi playing against Ronaldo once again if Ronaldo gets in good form. But talking about these two plays for the next World Cup in 2026 doesn't make any sense and I think it's time for both Portugal and Argantinato to find younger players and stop thinking about these two players because can't be sure even if they won't get retired and will still play until 2026.

The match yesterday was quite an interesting one but Al Nassr had an epic victory over inter Miami at the end of the day, watching that game I could see how much inter Miami was actually dependent on Messi while Al Nassr isn't on Ronaldo. The first half of the game ended in favour of Al Nassr winning by three goals meanwhile inter Miami was unable to get even good attempts all through the fish half but just playing around, I saw a whole lot of weakness with inter Miami and aswell saw how Al Nassr shows they were a better side, I think the Saudi league is improving going by the kind of performance I saw with Al Nassr yesterday.

Messi I obviously been affected by age gradually and this is seen in his performance yesterday as he wasn't like he used to be earlier so it could be assumed he's getting pass his prime already and he has actually achieved a lot so it's not a big deal if he's pass his prime already at this point.

[8rch7]

I not sure whether Messi can really be part of the Argentina national team for the 2026 World Cup because at this event Messi may have much more significant decline in playing quality.
Just look at the time Messi left Barcelona and the last time he played in the 2022 World Cup, he experienced some decline in his playing quality.
Such as his stamina starting to decline and he was no longer as impressive or as fast in every match he participated in.
This can also be proven that Messi is not core player because he cannot always be used in every match, perhaps also because the coach wants to see Messi doing well or avoiding injury or other bad things.

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.

[nullama]

~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.

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.

[Distraction]

Actually there were many news such as Lionel Messi retired from international football and wouldn't be a part of 2026 World Cup. However now he is still playing in next World Cup qualifiers. But I think this would probably be his last international competition to play. It even depends on if he changes his mind before the main tournament starts and retires even earlier. 

Honestly it would be great to watch Messi in the World Cup one last time. But as he finally achieved a World Cup title with Argentina too it is really hard to be sure of him. It was the last piece of the puzzle in his career for him you know. 

[SATWAT]

~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.

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 am not agreed about this all as now he needs more money because in last two decades he already achieves enough with after winning last world cup they also have good bonuses and other rewards so now he is only playing for his own sack and country instead of playing for the money because recently he rejected big salary and bonuses which was achievable for him if he joined Saudi Pro League be he prefer MLS and now playing for the Inter Miami.
About his future and staying until next world cup this is not predictable because as things going most chances he will stay and play because his body is good, and he is also super fit to give his best in first world cup with new format.

[doomloop]

Actually there were many news such as Lionel Messi retired from international football and wouldn't be a part of 2026 World Cup. However now he is still playing in next World Cup qualifiers. But I think this would probably be his last international competition to play. It even depends on if he changes his mind before the main tournament starts and retires even earlier. 

Honestly it would be great to watch Messi in the World Cup one last time. But as he finally achieved a World Cup title with Argentina too it is really hard to be sure of him. It was the last piece of the puzzle in his career for him you know. 

Most of the time we have nothing about any player and his future because they understand things so they never announces this all with media create hype about them for their own sack right now they are doing work for the Copa América, and we have no officially about his next World Cup participation but most chances if his body allows, and he will be fully fit he will be in this world cup for his team.

His participation could be important for Argentina because he still can lead from the front and have good impact on his team's performance in this big event but if he feels not well then surely he can be announcement about his retirement before this event as well which is always on cards.

[Jody.Drummer]

snip

If you look at age, both Ronaldo and Messi seem to choose to give opportunities to younger players, to maintain regeneration in the team. Because we can imagine if both of them were called up to take part in the 2026 World Cup, but the coaches of the two teams put them on the bench, the fans would of course criticize the managers out loud. When the coach gave the two more playing time, they were no longer up to it. In conclusion, managers will go awry in taking action, I think that is very reasonable.

Well that should be a consideration for the coach, indeed when both players can still be called up to strengthen the national team, but they must first consider providing opportunities for younger players. Because when these two players are still playing, I'm not sure whether they will make a big contribution or not, I don't doubt them, but considering their age, of course it will be a consideration for us.
I think they also as players must provide opportunities for their juniors to be able to feel the atmosphere of the World Cup, because it cannot be denied that there they will gain a lot of valuable experience which later might motivate them to do even better.

[budi691]

Actually there were many news such as Lionel Messi retired from international football and wouldn't be a part of 2026 World Cup. However now he is still playing in next World Cup qualifiers. But I think this would probably be his last international competition to play. It even depends on if he changes his mind before the main tournament starts and retires even earlier. 

Honestly it would be great to watch Messi in the World Cup one last time. But as he finally achieved a World Cup title with Argentina too it is really hard to be sure of him. It was the last piece of the puzzle in his career for him you know. 

Maybe if you look at Messi's age, he is no longer young and why he still wants to play in the 2026 World Cup, I see that Messi only wants to provide motivation to young Argentine players by playing or just being a reserve player, but his presence is able to make the Argentine players even more motivated if Messi playing,
Yes, I agree, everyone still wants to see Messi play in the 2026 World Cup, even though anything could happen with Messi's own fitness condition.
Even though Messi can still play and is needed by Argentina, I think Messi is enough of a footballer because yesterday's 2023 world title made him a legend.

[nimethasa]

~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.

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.

If lionel messi wants a lot of money, he should play in the Saudi Arabian league. not in the MLS league of the united states. just like other top European players who moved to the Saudi Arabian league. ronaldo, sadio mane and more. because clubs in Saudi Arabia offer very large contracts and salaries.

[dezoel]

Actually there were many news such as Lionel Messi retired from international football and wouldn't be a part of 2026 World Cup. However now he is still playing in next World Cup qualifiers. But I think this would probably be his last international competition to play. It even depends on if he changes his mind before the main tournament starts and retires even earlier. 

Honestly it would be great to watch Messi in the World Cup one last time. But as he finally achieved a World Cup title with Argentina too it is really hard to be sure of him. It was the last piece of the puzzle in his career for him you know. 

Maybe if you look at Messi's age, he is no longer young and why he still wants to play in the 2026 World Cup, I see that Messi only wants to provide motivation to young Argentine players by playing or just being a reserve player, but his presence is able to make the Argentine players even more motivated if Messi playing,
Yes, I agree, everyone still wants to see Messi play in the 2026 World Cup, even though anything could happen with Messi's own fitness condition.
Even though Messi can still play and is needed by Argentina, I think Messi is enough of a footballer because yesterday's 2023 world title made him a legend.

Messi is currently 36 years old with most chances in 2026 he could be 39 and with his fitness and performance we can expect him in the next world cup because he is doing good in his recent match which are the playing in MLS which is not competitive like UEFA but still good for him to stay fully fit and in good form for the next world cup.

Now as we have recent updates problems between Argentinean coach and Messi ended and both are ready to stay which is good development and surely all soccer fans especially Argentinean soccer fans will be happier because with this now chances are high for their team to defend title in the next world cup which is going to play in the USA/Canada/ Mexico in 2026 with the new format and 48 teams.

He is already GOAT in Argentinean soccer due to his flawless successes and next world cup can give him another level of hero with his success.

[FanEagle]

Things like this change the nature of the game as it changes the tempo and other things.

In tennis like you mention for example, the players have a limited amount of challenges. So, you could even have a situation in which the player experiences many tricky situations and runs out of challenges. That's another issue.

The thing is that in a game you have a lot of mental stuff, so when you stop the whole game all the time you change the rhythm of it. It's not the same sport.

What I meant with the robots is that robots simply follow the rules, unlike humans who disregard the rules all the time. It's much more interesting to watch humans than having everything so "correct". In the end what matters is the entertainment, not being right.

That is definitely true, if we had robotic referees, who made the right decision %100 of the time, the game may or may not feel fun but it would be at least fair. In situations where a foul may not be given, because the game is flowing well and you do not want to stop it, you would have the robot one stopping the game anyway, they may or may not have the "play the advantage" mindset but even if they do, stopping the game three times more than a regular referee would be a lot worse to watch, all games would be based on set pieces after that.

So, there should be a bit of a test and trial period where real referees would get feedback from the robotic ones and make their decisions, sort of like a tool instead of ruling the game themselves.

[KTChampions]

Actually there were many news such as Lionel Messi retired from international football and wouldn't be a part of 2026 World Cup. However now he is still playing in next World Cup qualifiers. But I think this would probably be his last international competition to play. It even depends on if he changes his mind before the main tournament starts and retires even earlier. 

Honestly it would be great to watch Messi in the World Cup one last time. But as he finally achieved a World Cup title with Argentina too it is really hard to be sure of him. It was the last piece of the puzzle in his career for him you know. 

The last piece of the puzzle in a career but not in business. How else can we explain the fact that he is going (according to leaks) to take part in the Olympics (youth tournament lol) in Paris together with Di Maria? Messi is a big brand and they will milk him until he can move around the field at all (even in his best years he didn’t really run, so the difference won’t be very noticeable hahaha).

[nullama]

~snip~
That is definitely true, if we had robotic referees, who made the right decision %100 of the time, the game may or may not feel fun but it would be at least fair. In situations where a foul may not be given, because the game is flowing well and you do not want to stop it, you would have the robot one stopping the game anyway, they may or may not have the "play the advantage" mindset but even if they do, stopping the game three times more than a regular referee would be a lot worse to watch, all games would be based on set pieces after that.

So, there should be a bit of a test and trial period where real referees would get feedback from the robotic ones and make their decisions, sort of like a tool instead of ruling the game themselves.

Yeah, I think FIFA should test these things at smaller competitions first and get some feedback from the people.

At the end of the day it's a business so they want to maximize people paying for tickets, merch, streaming rights, etc.

[Rampagoe004]

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.

That's true but for someone who loves football it's not the first choice. Playing for the world cup is a matter of pride for any football player around the world. It cannot be compared with money. Moreover, I think with his wealth Messi has got everything he wants. He is one of the richest athletes in the world. So if Messi is still called up to the national team I think he will still participate and maybe it will be his last world cup before retirement.

[Leviathan.007]

~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.

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.

If lionel messi wants a lot of money, he should play in the Saudi Arabian league. not in the MLS league of the united states. just like other top European players who moved to the Saudi Arabian league. ronaldo, sadio mane and more. because clubs in Saudi Arabia offer very large contracts and salaries.

I don't think if money is the only problem for Messi, If he wanted to earn more money he could choose to play in the Saudi League and earn lots of money in a short period of time. In fact decided to play for Inter Miami and I think the reason for him choosing this league was mostly that Messi wanted to live his life in the USA with his family otherwise he could have had the better option and coaching the MLS means Messi wants to stay away from being under more pressure and maybe he wants to get retired from the national games soon.

[Leviathan.007]

Actually there were many news such as Lionel Messi retired from international football and wouldn't be a part of 2026 World Cup. However now he is still playing in next World Cup qualifiers. But I think this would probably be his last international competition to play. It even depends on if he changes his mind before the main tournament starts and retires even earlier. 

Honestly it would be great to watch Messi in the World Cup one last time. But as he finally achieved a World Cup title with Argentina too it is really hard to be sure of him. It was the last piece of the puzzle in his career for him you know. 

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.

[nullama]

~snip~
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.

Yeah, it would have been a great time to retire really, being the champion and winning everything.

But I guess if you have been playing all your life, you just want to continue.

I do think it would be fair to give other players the chance to play and he can move on.

He will still make millions with ads.

[moneystery]

Actually there were many news such as Lionel Messi retired from international football and wouldn't be a part of 2026 World Cup. However now he is still playing in next World Cup qualifiers. But I think this would probably be his last international competition to play. It even depends on if he changes his mind before the main tournament starts and retires even earlier. 

Honestly it would be great to watch Messi in the World Cup one last time. But as he finally achieved a World Cup title with Argentina too it is really hard to be sure of him. It was the last piece of the puzzle in his career for him you know. 

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 can still make a big contribution to the argentine national team, he is a senior player and when he plays he will definitely be more relaxed, even though he is relaxed he is a very creative player. argentina is still a team that will always be a big threat to other teams in the world cup, for other teams i don't believe they will be champions but for argentina, they are always the favorites.