m88worldcups.com –  Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente stated that Lionel Messi should “never retire” while the Argentine star is still considering whether to participate in the 2026 World Cup.

The Inter Miami forward has not yet decided whether he will attend the tournament taking place in North America next summer, but he is now reassured that he can still be a decisive player for the defending champions.

Messi Does Not Want to Be a “Burden” for Argentina at the World Cup

Messi played a crucial role in helping Argentina qualify for the World Cup hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, scoring eight goals as Lionel Scaloni’s side finished at the top of the South American qualification zone.

Despite this, the 38-year-old has repeatedly expressed doubts about his participation in FIFA’s biggest tournament this coming June, where Argentina will attempt to defend the title they won after defeating France in a penalty shootout in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar.

In an interview with the Spanish publication SPORT in November, when asked whether the possibility of playing in the World Cup made him “very excited,” Messi replied:

“Yes, of course. This is a special World Cup. Playing with the national team is always special, especially in a major official competition, and even more so considering the significance of the World Cup, particularly after having won it.

“But as I said, I do not want to be a burden, so to speak. I want to feel physically fit, ensure that I can help and contribute to the team.

“Our season in MLS is different from the European season. There will be pre-season in between, with a few matches before the World Cup, and we will see how I feel on a daily basis, whether I am truly fit to perform at the level I want and can participate.

“But of course, I am aware this is the World Cup, and it is very special, because the World Cup is the biggest competition. So, I am excited, but I take it day by day.”

De la Fuente Believes Messi Can Still Be a Decisive Player Next Summer

Speaking to the Spanish publication AS, de la Fuente said:

“Messi is one of those players who should never retire. Just like Cristiano Ronaldo. They are fantastic.

“Regardless of Messi’s condition at the Finalissima or the World Cup, he is a player who can make a difference with just one detail.

“Therefore, total respect and admiration for Leo’s career and what he will still contribute in the future.”

Spain, aiming for their second World Cup next summer, is drawn in Group H alongside Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and debutants Cape Verde, following the tournament draw held in the United States on December 5.

Former Argentina Captain Zanetti Supports Messi Playing in the World Cup

De la Fuente’s comments came after former Argentina captain Javier Zanetti expressed support for Messi’s participation in the World Cup. La Albiceleste is drawn in Group J with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

“That has to be his decision, but I think yes, he will play,” Zanetti told FourFourTwo. “It’s only a few months away, and I am sure he also wants to represent his country again. I have no doubt that will happen.”

Addressing concerns about Messi’s age, who will turn 39 on June 24—while the World Cup begins on June 11—Zanetti added:

“I do not agree with the idea that Messi is too old to play. Messi is fully capable of continuing to lead.

“He is intelligent, knows better than anyone how to read the team’s needs, and is surrounded by great players in the national team. I am confident that with Messi, Argentina will be strong contenders again at the next World Cup.”

When asked whether Messi could represent Argentina beyond 2026, Zanetti—who earned 145 caps for his country—replied:

“I do not know if that can be seen in the short term, but I think the time for Messi now is to enjoy football. The most important thing right now is that he enjoys what he is doing. The World Cup will certainly be an important test to see how he feels, and then he will decide calmly whether to continue.”