In the last World Cup test against Iceland, Messi returned from a muscle strain and scored from the penalty spot – at 38 years, 11 months and 14 days, he is now the oldest goalscorer in the history of the Argentine national team. The record had been held by Angel Labruna for 68 years. Messi himself did not want to overstate the milestone: “I don’t think about records, only about the common goal,” he said after the 3-0 victory.
His role has changed compared to the 2022 World Cup triumph: Messi will no longer play every game for 90 minutes, and not every attack has to go through him. He remains indispensable as a set-piece taker and brilliant passer. The team around him is almost identical – with Rodrigo de Paul as “bodyguard”, defensive chief Nicolas Otamendi, and midfield strategists Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister. The only departure is Angel Di Maria.
EuroPulse reported on June 13, 2026 about the 2026 World Cup as a possible last tournament for Messi, Ronaldo and Modric: WM 2026: Turnier für Ronaldo, Messi und Modric.
Source: www.sportschau.de
