As the soccer world looks ahead to 2026, questions continue to swirl around&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a>&nbsp;and whether the sport’s most decorated modern icon will once again step onto the game’s biggest stage. For Argentina, the debate is not only about age or minutes played, but about leadership, influence, and timing. Few voices carry more authority on that subject than&nbsp;Javier Zanetti, a former captain who understands both the weight of the shirt and the demands of a World Cup campaign.



Speaking with the calm certainty of someone who has lived through multiple tournament cycles, Zanetti offered a perspective that cuts through the noise. While doubts persist externally, his stance is clear: Messi remains capable of helping <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/argentina/">Argentina</a> in a meaningful way at the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/">2026 FIFA World Cup</a>. And at the heart of his argument lies a carefully chosen nine-word message that reframes the entire conversation.



La Albiceleste enters the next World Cup cycle as the defending champion, having conquered the world in Qatar in 2022. That triumph, led by Messi, ended years of pressure and debate about his international legacy. Since then, the national team has continued to collect silverware, reinforcing its status as one of the strongest sides in global soccer.



Yet time moves quickly. Messi will be approaching 39 during the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He now plays his club soccer away from Europe, prompting inevitable questions about rhythm, intensity, and physical sustainability. Some have even suggested that Argentina should begin planning without him at the center of the project. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/javier-zanetti/">Zanetti</a> strongly disagrees.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251226_WST_612062_GettyImages-1450126992-1200x675_0df835db.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Argentina star Lionel Messi" class="wp-image-601861" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi of Argentina kisses the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winners’ Trophy.</figcaption></figure>


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<h2>Zanetti’s confidence in Messi’s leadership</h2>



In an interview with&nbsp;FourFourTwo, Zanetti dismissed the idea that Messi’s age diminishes his value to the national team.&nbsp;“I don’t agree with that,”&nbsp;he said when asked whether Messi should step aside as a leader.&nbsp;“Messi is fully capable of continuing as a leader. He’s intelligent, knows better than anyone how to interpret what the team needs, and is surrounded by great players in the national team.”



For Zanetti, leadership is not about running more kilometers than anyone else. It is about understanding moments, managing teammates, and raising standards in decisive situations.&nbsp;Those are qualities Messi still possesses in abundance, regardless of the league he plays in.



Zanetti went even further, making it clear that Messi’s presence alone elevates Argentina’s status.&nbsp;“I’m convinced that with him, Argentina will be a major contender again at the next World Cup,”&nbsp;he added. Midway through the discussion, He delivered the line that best encapsulates his philosophy on Messi’s future. Reflecting on where the forward stands in his career, he said:&nbsp;“The time has come for Messi to enjoy football.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251226_WST_612062_lionel-messi-argentina-bolkivia-1200x675_f8cede9e.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring the team&apos;s fifth goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Argentina and Bolivia." class="wp-image-589978" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring</figcaption></figure>



Those nine words shift the narrative entirely. Rather than framing 2026 as a burden or a final obligation, Zanetti sees it as an opportunity—a space where Messi can contribute without the suffocating pressure that defined earlier chapters of his international career. According to the former defender, enjoyment does not mean detachment. It means clarity. It means freedom. And paradoxically, it may be the very thing that allows Messi to remain decisive on the biggest stage.


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<h2>Decision, desire, and timing</h2>



Zanetti was careful to stress that the final call belongs to Messi alone.&nbsp;“That has to be his decision,”&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;“But I think yes. There are only a few months to go, and I believe he also wants to represent his country again. I have no doubt it will happen.”



The former captain highlighted an important distinction: Messi no longer needs to prove anything. Every major trophy is already in his cabinet. What remains is the desire to compete—and Zanetti believes that desire is still there.



The World Cup itself, he suggested, will serve as a personal checkpoint.&nbsp;“The World Cup will surely be an important testing ground to see how he feels, and then he’ll decide, calmly, whether to continue.”

Lionel Messi still the key: Argentina legend Javier Zanetti reveals Inter Miami star’s hidden 2026 FIFA World Cup weapon for Lionel Scaloni’s side

Lionel Messi still the key: Argentina legend Javier Zanetti reveals Inter Miami star’s hidden 2026 FIFA World Cup weapon for Lionel Scaloni’s side - World Soccer Talk

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Tension and anticipation are rising just hours ahead of the UEFA Champions League final. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-milan/">Inter Milan</a> is preparing for the most important challenge of their season, and ahead of the clash, the voice of club vice president <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/javier-zanetti">Javier Zanetti</a> has resonated with the confidence and motivation that define the Nerazzurri spirit.



In his statements, the legendary former Inter and Argentina national team captain shared the mood inside the squad: “We’re motivated to play a great match on Saturday and hopefully finish with a happy ending,” Zanetti expressed.



A major point of focus in the lead-up has been the physical condition of Lautaro Martínez, the team’s captain and top scorer, who dealt with a knock during the semifinal series. Zanetti, however, offered reassurance and dismissed any concern about Lautaro’s fitness and availability: “Lautaro is doing well. He had a minor injury, but we’ve been taking good care of him,” confirmed the vice president.



With optimism running high and Lautaro set to start, Inter Milan now turns its full focus to claiming European glory. The countdown to the final continues, and Inter fans are clinging to the belief and desire to make history in the German capital.



<h2>“Let’s hope we don’t suffer against him”</h2>



Beyond the imminent Champions League final, Inter is already looking ahead to the ambitious <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/club-world-cup/">FIFA Club World Cup</a> set to take place in the United States in June 2025. The tournament will feature top clubs from around the world—including Argentine giants River Plate.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250526_WST_571290_Franco-Mastantuono-1-1200x675_a7089f96.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-571294" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/05/26101408/Franco-Mastantuono-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/05/26101408/Franco-Mastantuono-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/05/26101408/Franco-Mastantuono-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/05/26101408/Franco-Mastantuono-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/05/26101408/Franco-Mastantuono-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/05/26101408/Franco-Mastantuono-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/05/26101408/Franco-Mastantuono-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/05/26101408/Franco-Mastantuono-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



With deep ties to Argentine soccer, Zanetti took a moment to comment on River and one of their rising stars, Franco Mastantuono. With a smile, he said: “Let’s hope we don’t have to suffer against him at the Club World Cup.” He didn’t hold back the praise either, adding: “He’s one of the most promising talents to emerge from Argentine football in recent years.”



Inter heads into both the Champions League final and the Club World Cup with motivation, key players in top shape, and the ambition to add more silverware to their storied history.

Javier Zanetti of Inter Milan scores against the player who could have made them suffer in the FIFA Club World Cup

Javier Zanetti of Inter Milan scores against the player who could have made them suffer in the FIFA Club World Cup - World Soccer Talk

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Lionel Messi still the key: Argentina legend Javier Zanetti reveals Inter Miami star’s hidden 2026 FIFA World Cup weapon for Lionel Scaloni’s side

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Javier Zanetti of Inter Milan scores against the player who could have made them suffer in the FIFA Club World Cup