Lionel Messi at 38? Donald Trump’s Stunning Plan to Make FIFA World Cup 2026 the Biggest Event in History Depends on the Football Icon

Donald Trump is once again making headlines, but this time, it’s not for politics — it’s for football.

In a surprising turn of events, Trump has openly expressed his hope that Lionel Messi will still be active and play a major role in the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking in a recent interview, Trump emphasized the importance of global superstars like Messi in drawing massive international attention to the tournament, suggesting that having the Argentine legend compete could elevate the event to an unprecedented level of success.

Trump, known for his love of spectacle and high-profile figures, stated that Messi’s presence could be a game-changer, not just for the sport but also for the global spotlight on the U.S.

“We want the best, and Messi is the best.

It would be huge,” Trump said during the conversation.

His comments have sparked both excitement and controversy, with some fans thrilled at the idea of seeing Messi grace American stadiums, and others questioning whether it’s appropriate for political figures to weigh in on sporting matters in this way.

At 38 years old by the time the World Cup kicks off, Messi’s participation is not guaranteed.

However, he has previously hinted that he might be open to continuing his career if he feels physically fit and motivated.

After leading Argentina to a historic World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022, Messi moved to Major League Soccer, joining Inter Miami, where he continues to mesmerize fans with his performances.

His current trajectory suggests that he could still be competitive by 2026, even if in a different role than the one fans are used to seeing.

Trump’s interest in Messi stems from more than just admiration for his football skills.

Hosting the World Cup is a massive opportunity for the U.S.to project its image globally, and having Messi in the mix could attract even greater international viewership and tourism.

Trump pointed out that Messi is not just a sports figure but a global cultural icon whose involvement would amplify the tournament’s impact significantly.

“If Messi plays, the whole world will watch, and it will be the greatest World Cup ever,” Trump declared.

Despite Trump’s enthusiasm, the decision ultimately lies with Messi himself.

In previous interviews, Messi has said he would evaluate his form and passion closer to the tournament date.

“I will see how I feel.

Right now, I’m enjoying playing, but I’ll take it year by year,” Messi said recently when asked about 2026.

His love for representing Argentina remains strong, and many fans are optimistic that he could at least feature in some capacity, even if not as the main star.

Interestingly, Trump’s comments come at a time when sports and politics are becoming increasingly intertwined.

His statements have raised eyebrows among analysts who note that the former president is clearly trying to tap into the massive popularity of football (soccer) to align himself with a beloved global phenomenon.

Critics argue that Trump’s focus on Messi might be an attempt to win favor among younger voters and the growing Latin American community in the U.S., where soccer is especially popular.

Rupha Ramani, hosting the segment on First Sports, pointed out that while Trump’s remarks might seem out of place, they reflect a broader trend where political leaders recognize the soft power of sports in shaping public perception and national pride.

She also noted that Messi’s influence goes beyond the pitch.

“Messi is a unifier.In a divided world, he brings people together.

No wonder politicians want to associate with his magic,” Ramani said.

Of course, there’s another layer to consider: the physical toll on Messi’s body as he ages.

Even for an athlete of his caliber, maintaining peak performance into his late 30s and early 40s is a challenge.

Yet, recent examples like Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and others who extended their careers into their late 30s suggest it’s not impossible, especially with modern sports science and nutrition.

Fans worldwide are already buzzing with the idea of one last World Cup appearance from Messi.

Social media lit up after Trump’s remarks, with hashtags like #Messi2026 and #GOATinAmerica trending across platforms.

Supporters flooded timelines with messages urging Messi to stay fit and make a historic final appearance.

Memes, tribute videos, and speculative lineups imagining Messi leading Argentina one more time are circulating widely.

Meanwhile, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has remained quiet regarding any formal plans for Messi’s role in 2026.

However, insiders suggest that the organization would be thrilled to have their talisman return, even in a mentoring or leadership position if his physical condition doesn’t allow for full participation.

There’s even speculation that Messi could take on a player-coach hybrid role, providing guidance to the younger generation while still contributing on the field when needed.

As for Trump, whether his comments will have any actual influence is debatable.

Still, his public backing of Messi shows just how monumental a figure Messi remains in the global consciousness.

It also highlights the unique intersection of sports, politics, and celebrity culture in today’s media landscape.

Regardless of Trump’s motivations, one thing is certain: the mere possibility of Messi appearing at the 2026 World Cup has reignited excitement and anticipation among fans worldwide.

Whether he’s dazzling defenders with a trademark dribble, delivering a pinpoint assist, or simply inspiring from the sidelines, Lionel Messi’s presence would undoubtedly make the FIFA World Cup 2026 even more unforgettable.