July 19, 2026, could forever become a special date in football history. Every World Cup final is an historic occasion, but with the final kick of the ball taken on Sunday, one has to wonder if that wasn’t Lionel Messi’s last dance at a World Cup.
Messi has demonstrated incredible passion for playing football — not just being in the game, but being on the pitch, with the ball. At 39, he remains one of the best players in the world.
He’s largely disregarded the option of becoming a coach, so it’s likely that extending his playing career remains his only way to keep doing what he loves.
Yet, the signs of a potential farewell have been there for a long time.
The 2030 World Cup, hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, is set to have at least one game hosted in Buenos Aires, as part of FIFA’s decision to honor the inaugural 1930 World Cup with three games in Uruguay — where the 1930 tournament was held — Argentina and Paraguay.
