A social media post questioning the implications of another potential World Cup victory for Lionel Messi has ignited debate among football fans, coming just two years after Argentina’s triumph in Qatar. The post, made on February 13, 2026, by the account “thegivengo” and garnering 272 likes and 8 comments, asks, “What happens if Messi wins ANOTHER World Cup?”
Messi, currently captaining Inter Miami, led Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, ending a 36-year wait for the nation. He also captained the team to a Copa América win in 2021 and another in 2024, adding to his extensive list of achievements. As of November 14, 2025, Messi has 196 international appearances for Argentina, scoring 115 goals. He began his professional career with Barcelona, playing for the club from 2004 to 2021, where he scored 474 goals in 520 appearances. He then spent two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 22 goals in 58 matches, before moving to Inter Miami in 2023, where he has scored 50 goals in 53 appearances as of October 19, 2025.
The question posed by “thegivengo” taps into a broader discussion about Messi’s legacy and his place in football history. Comparisons to Pelé and Diego Maradona are frequent, and another World Cup win would further solidify his claim as the greatest footballer of all time, a debate that has long included Cristiano Ronaldo. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, presents a potential opportunity for Messi, who will be 38 years old at the time of the tournament, to add another title to his collection.
Argentina’s recent success under Messi’s leadership has revitalized national pride and sparked renewed interest in football within the country. The team’s performance in the 2024 Copa América, held in the United States, further demonstrated their continued dominance in South American football. The Argentine Football Association has not yet commented on preparations for the 2026 World Cup or Messi’s potential role in the tournament.