Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi will celebrate his 39th birthday during the group stage of this summer’s World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The 2026 World Cup presents Messi with an opportunity to become the first captain to lift the World Cup trophy in consecutive tournaments. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has once again entrusted him with the captain’s armband for the campaign.

Currently playing club football in the United States, Messi has been drawing massive crowds across the country as a star attraction for Inter Miami. While his popularity in North America remains unmatched, fans have occasionally expressed frustration when he has missed Major League Soccer games away from Miami.

Messi’s birthday falls between Argentina’s second and third Group J matches. Argentina will begin their title defence against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium on Tuesday, June 16, where Messi is expected to lead the team out in Kansas City.

As Argentina’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player, Messi has started 14 matches for Inter Miami in the ongoing 2026 MLS season before the break, netting 12 goals and providing seven assists for the 2025 league champions.

Inter Miami’s MLS Cup triumph marked Messi’s third league title in three different countries, following his championship-winning campaigns with Barcelona in Spain and Paris Saint-Germain in France. He has also enjoyed success on the continental stage with both club and country.

Messi’s principal aim remains guiding Argentina to an unprecedented second consecutive World Cup victory — a feat last achieved in 1962. Alongside team ambitions, several personal milestones await him in the 2026 edition.

No footballer has ever featured in six World Cups. Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is part of his nation’s squad for a sixth time but did not play in 2006, 2010, or in the 2026 opener against South Africa.

Cristiano Ronaldo is also on the verge of reaching the same milestone and will appear a day after Argentina’s opening match. Therefore, it is confirmed — Messi will indeed play at the 2026 World Cup.

If Messi manages to score four goals during the tournament, he will surpass former German striker Miroslav Klose’s tally to become the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history with 17 goals.

Realistically, this tournament is expected to be Messi’s final World Cup appearance. The Argentina captain is widely anticipated to retire from international football after the 2026 edition, as he will be 43 by the time the next tournament comes around.

This final chapter offers Messi yet another chance to etch his name deeper into football history — something he has done consistently throughout his illustrious two-decade career.

What’s your take? Can Messi break more World Cup records or lift the trophy once again next month? Share your thoughts below…