Lionel Messi walked away from the 2026 World Cup empty-handed. As Argentina lost the final, the Golden Ball and Golden Boot went elsewhere, and the trophy he had dreamed of defending slipped from his grasp.Many believe it was his final World Cup. Messi will be 42 by the time the tournament returns in 2030, and while Argentina are set to host a centenary match, few expect him to still be playing at the highest level.But this is Messi. Throughout his career, he has redefined what longevity looks like, and there is still plenty left to play for.Only two players have scored more goals in MLS this season, with the Argentine leading Inter Miami’s bid to become the first team since David Beckham’s LA Galaxy in 2012 to retain the MLS Cup. He remains under contract until 2028 and has yet to announce his retirement from international football.Every Messi appearance now feels a little more precious. So what comes next for the greatest player of his generation?One discussion point that surrounds Messi is the Ballon d’Or. At 11/4, he is third-favourite behind Harry Kane (13/10) and Lamine Yamal (9/4) to win football’s most prestigious individual award.Had he managed to get his hands on the World Cup trophy again, he would have been firm favourite to win. No player representing a non-European club has ever claimed the honour and Messi’s chances of winning the world’s best player award for a record ninth time appear to have slipped away.