Zanetti Confident Messi Can Lead Argentina At 2026 World Cup
At 38, Lionel Messi still has the belief of those who know him best, with Javier Zanetti convinced the captain can guide Argentina one more time on the world’s biggest stage.
Zanetti’s vote of confidence
Few voices carry more weight when it comes to Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team than Javier Zanetti. The former captain and current Inter vice-president has no doubts about Messi’s ability to lead La Albiceleste at the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking to FourFourTwo, Zanetti stressed that the final call rests with Messi, but his conviction was clear. “That has to be his decision, but I think yes,” he said. “I have no doubt it will happen.” For Zanetti, Messi’s influence goes far beyond age or minutes on the pitch.
A champion still driven by glory
Messi’s legacy was cemented in Qatar after lifting the 2022 World Cup, the missing piece in a historic career. Yet the motivation remains. Now at Inter Miami, the forward continues to decide matches with the same sharpness and intelligence that defined his peak years in Europe.
Zanetti dismissed the notion that time has caught up with him. “I don’t agree with that,” he said. “Messi is fully capable of continuing as a leader. He understands the game better than anyone and knows exactly what the team needs.”
Leadership beyond the armband
For Zanetti, Messi’s greatest value lies in his reading of the game and his connection with a squad built to compete again. Surrounded by proven winners and guided by Lionel Scaloni, Argentina remain a formidable force.
“I’m convinced that with him, Argentina will be a major contender again,” Zanetti added, underlining the collective strength and mentality that has defined this cycle. The balance between experience and emerging talent has only strengthened Messi’s role within the group.
Messi keeps the door open
Messi himself has avoided firm commitments. Speaking to ESPN earlier in December, he acknowledged his desire to be part of the tournament, without offering guarantees. “I hope I can be there,” he said. “If not, I’ll be there watching, but it will be special.”
He also highlighted the environment Scaloni and his staff have created — a competitive, united squad that continues to evolve. New faces keep pushing their way in, while the hunger to win remains intact.
