Former Argentina and Manchester City striker, Sergio Aguero, has predicted his countryman, Lionel Messi, will make it into Argentina’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Aguero, 36, is of the opinion that his compatriot would be at the tournament ‘physically’, but would not be on the same level that he ‘always was’.
Messi led Argentina to the World Cup victory in 2022, marshaling the South Americans to victory in Qatar after a 4-2 on penalties against France in the final.
The 37-year-old scored seven goals and bagged three assists in seven games and was crowned the Player of the Tournament.
However, rumors about the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s potential retirement have been doing the rounds.
Many fans, pundits, and players believe that he is on the verge of hanging up his boots.
However, Aguero believes the Inter Miami superstar will make his country’s squad for the upcoming World Cup.
The former City frontman said on ESPN F12 (via Inter Miami News), “I think Messi will make it to 2026, he will take care of himself. Obviously he won’t be the Leo he always was, but give him a few free kicks or a few assists and he will make them.
“He can get there physically. If he wants to, he will, because he takes good care of himself.”
Messi has made 189 senior appearances for Argentina, racking up 112 goals and 60 assists in the process.