As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup gathers pace, anticipation across the footballing world is steadily intensifying. Scheduled to take place from 11 June to 19 July 2026, the tournament will be hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico and Canada, marking the first World Cup to be staged across three nations. As reigning champions, Argentina will arrive with the weight of expectation—and at the heart of that anticipation lies one unresolved question: will Lionel Messi feature once more on the grandest stage?
Messi, Argentina’s talismanic captain, has already appeared in five World Cups, a remarkable feat in itself. His crowning glory came at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina defeated France in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to lift their first World Cup trophy in 36 years. That triumph cemented Messi’s legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats. However, with the 2026 tournament approaching, the 38-year-old has yet to confirm whether he will participate.
Messi has consistently stated that any decision will depend on his physical condition and long-term fitness, opting to assess matters gradually rather than make a premature commitment. This uncertainty has prompted widespread debate—and one of the most compelling voices in that discussion belongs to Thomas Müller, Germany’s World Cup-winning forward.
Speaking to Magenta TV, Müller offered a nuanced assessment:
“Argentina are, in my view, among the leading contenders for the title right now. If Messi is part of the squad, it becomes a fascinating project. But at the same time, his presence can fundamentally alter the team’s balance—for better or for worse.”
Müller’s perspective carries particular weight given his extensive history against Messi. The two have faced each other 11 times at club and international level, with Müller emerging victorious on seven occasions.
Table of Contents
Messi vs Müller: Head-to-Head Overview :
| Category | Record |
| Total Meetings | 11 |
| Müller Wins | 7 |
| Messi Wins | 4 |
| Notable Matches | 2014 World Cup Final, 2010 World Cup QF, 2020 UCL (8–2) |
Among Müller’s most memorable victories are Germany’s 1–0 win over Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final, the emphatic 4–0 triumph in the 2010 quarter-final, and Bayern Munich’s infamous 8–2 demolition of Barcelona in the 2020 Champions League. Yet Messi has enjoyed recent success as well, notably leading Inter Miami to a 3–1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps on 6 December, securing the club’s first-ever MLS title—with Müller on the losing side.
Should Messi appear in 2026, he would become only the second player in football history to compete in six World Cups, following Cristiano Ronaldo. Müller believes Messi’s inclusion could make Argentina even more formidable, but also acknowledges that age and tactical adaptation could pose challenges.
Now retired from international duty, Müller also issued a cautionary note regarding tournament complacency, stressing that no opponent can be taken lightly.
Argentina at the 2026 World Cup :
Group J Teams
- Argentina
- Austria
- Algeria
- Jordan
Argentina’s Group Stage Fixtures :
| Date | Opponent |
| 16 June | Algeria |
| 22 June | Austria |
| 26 June | Jordan |