DOHA: Millions of fans were saddened to hear that Argentinian captain Lionel Messi announced that the final of the Qatar World Cup will be his last World Cup match. However. Messi's teammate and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has shared the hope that Messi will be able to play in the next World Cup. Speaking to an Argentine media outlet, Martinez said that Messi can play in the same form until he is 50 years old.

After beating Croatia in the semifinal, Messi had said that the World Cup final would be his last World Cup match. But he did not talk about retiring from international competitions. It is in this context that Martinez's statement is being discussed. "Messi can also play in the 2026 World Cup in the United States. Even at this age, his talent or performance has not diminished. He makes things look easy – it’s the hardest thing to do. To understand how well he hits the ball is something. That left foot. He is small, but so strong," Marinez said.

Argentina star Cristian Romero also said that this will not be Messi's last World Cup. Romero added that he expects Messi to play for Argentina in the next World Cup as well.