Lionel Messi hasn’t ruled out the possibility of playing in the 2026 World CupCredit: AFP

He led Argentina to World Cup glory last year in QatarCredit: Getty

Messi picked up his eighth Ballon d’Or award on Monday after a successful campaign that saw him lift the World Cup in Qatar last year.

And it seems there could still be fire in the belly of the Inter Miami man to go on and win a second when the tournament is hosted in North America.

When asked by L’Equipe about the possibility of lining up for Argentina in 2026, Messi was reluctant to completely rule out the idea.

He said: “The 2026 World Cup? Considering the age I will be at that time, it seems difficult — but we’ll see.”

Now 36, Messi is still performing to an extremely high level with his record for Inter Miami just as impressive as most football fans would expect.

He has already netted 11 times and registered five assists in just 14 appearances for the Herons since joining in July.

And it’s not beyond the realms of possibility to see him donning the blue and white of the Albiceleste in three years time.

Fierce rival Cristiano Ronaldo was 37-years-old when he took to the field for Portugal in Qatar.

While Roger Milla currently holds the record for the oldest outfield player to feature in a World Cup when he represented Cameroon in the 1994 tournament at an impressive 42-years-old.

Messi already leads the list of top scorers in the history of Argentina’s national team with 106 goals in 178 appearances.

And if he was to feature for his nation in 2026 the he would be the oldest player to do so since 1958 – adding even more records to his long list of astounding stats.

Cristiano Ronaldo was 37-years-old when he played for Portugal in QatarCredit: Getty

Cameroon hero Roger Milla is the oldest player to score a goal in the World Cup at 42-years-oldCredit: AFP