Messi Could Redefine Argentina’s Balance at the 2026 World Cup

As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup gathers momentum, the global football community is slowly but surely slipping into tournament fever. Scheduled to take place from 11 June to 19 July 2026, the World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marking the first time three nations will co-host the tournament. As reigning champions, Argentina will enter the competition carrying both confidence and expectation. Yet, one question continues to dominate discussions: will Lionel Messi take part?

Messi, Argentina’s iconic captain and talisman, has already featured in five World Cups, a remarkable achievement in itself. His crowning glory came at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina ended a 36-year wait for the trophy by defeating France in a dramatic penalty shoot-out final. That triumph cemented Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.

However, the prospect of a sixth World Cup appearance remains uncertain. The 38-year-old forward has repeatedly stated that any decision regarding 2026 will depend on his physical condition, fitness levels, and overall wellbeing as the tournament approaches. This uncertainty has drawn considerable attention, particularly from former players who understand the delicate balance between experience and physical demand at the highest level.

One such voice is Thomas Müller, Germany’s World Cup-winning forward, who believes Messi’s presence could fundamentally alter Argentina’s tactical equilibrium. Speaking to Magenta TV, Müller remarked:

“In my view, Argentina are already among the strongest contenders. If Messi is part of the squad, it becomes an extraordinary project. But at the same time, his inclusion can change the team’s balance entirely — for better or worse.”

Müller’s assessment carries weight. The German has faced Messi 11 times in competitive matches, emerging victorious on seven occasions, while Messi has claimed four wins. Some of Müller’s most memorable triumphs over the Argentine maestro include the 2014 World Cup final, Germany’s emphatic 4–0 win in the 2010 World Cup, and Bayern Munich’s historic 8–2 victory over Barcelona in the 2020 Champions League.

That said, recent history offers Messi his own moment of satisfaction. On 6 December, Messi led Inter Miami to a 3–1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps at Chase Stadium, securing the club’s first-ever MLS title, with Müller ending the night on the losing side.

Should Messi feature in 2026, he would become only the second footballer in history to play in six World Cups, joining Cristiano Ronaldo in that exclusive club. Müller believes Messi’s presence could make Argentina even more formidable, while also forcing tactical compromises due to age and workload management.

Now retired from international football, Müller also issued a broader warning about underestimating opponents at major tournaments, stressing that reputation alone guarantees nothing.

Messi vs Müller: Head-to-Head Record :

Group J Teams

Argentina’s Group Stage Fixtures :