"Continues to reinvent himself" - Juan Roman Riquelme insists Lionel Messi will play for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup

Argentina legend Juan Roman Riquelme has made confident claims about Lionel Messi playing for La Albiceleste in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Messi will be 39 years old in 2026, raising doubts about his presence at yet another World Cup.

After facing multiple heartbreaks with Argentina, Lionel Messi finally won the FIFA World in 2022, recording seven goals and three assists in the tournament. He also took home his second Golden Ball award for being the best player in the World Cup.

Since his triumph, Messi has said that his presence in the 2026 World Cup will depend on how feels mentally and physically at that time. Former Albiceleste star Juan Roman Riquelme recently addressed Messi's potential participation in the 2026 World Cup. He said on the program El Loco y El Cuerdo:

"Messi continues to reinvent himself. You never know what will happen. I have no doubt that he will play in the next World Cup, he has to play it. We will all be supporting him so he plays."

Riquelme also appreciated Messi's winning mindset and added:

"We don't bother you much, but we talk a lot. I think he's going to play. It's very good, it's something that's not normal. Besides, he loves competing. He has won a lot and still wants to keep winning. This alone makes him very strong and unique.”

Riquelme and Messi played together for Argentina for a short period of time between 2004 and 2008. The duo shared the pitch 27 times and recorded seven joint-goal participations.

Riquelme also played at Barcelona from 2002 to 2005 but never shared the pitch with Lionel Messi. He was sent off on loan to Villarreal in 2003, a year before the Argentine's debut. However, Messi has called the current Boca Juniors president his childhood hero multiple times in the past.

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When Lionel Messi paid tribute to Argentina legend Riquelme through unique celebration in the 2022 World Cup

Netherlands v Argentina: Quarter Final - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Source: Getty

Argentina's quarter-final clash against the Netherlands in the 2022 FIFA World Cup remains one of the most nail-biting, yet controversial games in the history of the competition.

During the game, Lionel Messi converted a penalty kick in the 73rd minute, giving La Albiceleste a 2-0 lead. After scoring, Messi cupped his hands behind his ears in front of the Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal as a tribute to his childhood hero Juan Roman Riquelme.

Messi's iconic celebration was a call-back to Riquelme's signature celebration from his playing days. The Argentina international frequently performed a similar gesture by cupping his hands behind his ears.

Journalist Julien Laurens' explained in the Netflix documentary Captains of the World that Lionel Messi never forgot how Van Gaal had allegedly mistreated his childhood legend at Barcelona. Riquelme's conflict with Van Gaal was reportedly responsible for his loan transfer from the Catalan side in 2003.

"Van Gaal nearly destroyed the career of Messi’s idol Juan Roman Riquelme. The Dutch coach refused to play the Argentinian at Barcelona. When Riquelme scored for Barcelona, he would do his trademark celebration towards van Gaal. Messi never forgot this," Laurens said.

In the 2022 World Cup clash though, Wout Weghorst's last-minute brace brought the Dutch back into the game, albeit temporarily. Despite a 2-2 draw at the end of extra time, Argentina went on to defeat the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties, before claiming their third World Cup title after 36 years.

Lionel Messi later apologized for his controversial gesture, claiming he was taken away by his emotions.