There was a moment, after Argentina came back from 2-0 down to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, when Lionel Messi simply could not stop crying. His tears came from relief – not from escaping defeat against Egypt, but relief he hadn't let his teammates down after missing a penalty that threatened to end Argentina's tournament. For Messi, emotions arrive tangled: relief, pressure, family, the crowd, and teammates who love him and want to see him win again. This may be his last World Cup. Then again, who knows.
So what is happening? Argentina are in the World Cup semi-finals, facing England in Atlanta. This Argentina squad is built around Messi, built to give the 39-year-old the best chance of winning a second successive World Cup. Manager Lionel Scaloni has created an environment where Messi thrives. “The best moments of all, by far, are celebrations of the group. I coach for this, not because I like a 4-3-3,” Scaloni said. “I like drinking mate [a South American tea] with my friends and players, sharing a barbecue, playing truco [a card game], as we have always done.” It could have been Messi speaking. He has rediscovered under Scaloni the pleasure of competing alongside people who think like him.
“Explains why Argentina are built around Messi and the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry at World Cup 2026.”
The background to this team is a deliberate culture of togetherness. Rodrigo de Paul has become, in this Argentina squad, the teammate with whom Messi instantly feels at home. Their bond was forged on international duty. One afternoon, de Paul noticed Messi leave training alone, looking subdued, and waited for him. That kind of care defines the group. Messi had already cried once this tournament after hearing of a complication with his father's health following the opening match. The team is built to protect him and let him focus.
Why does this matter for UK readers? Because England face Argentina in the semi-final, and Messi stands in the way of a World Cup final appearance. It also matters because of the enduring rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo, now 41, saw his Portugal side crash out in the round of 16 against Spain, while Messi's Argentina march on. In a 2022 interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo was asked about the dream of a World Cup final between Portugal and Argentina, where he scores a hat-trick. He beamed and said, “Too good.” That scenario never materialised – and now, with Messi in another semi, Ronaldo's comment continues to age badly.
Key questions answered:
Q: Is this Messi's last World Cup? The sources say “this may be his last World Cup. Then again, who knows.” At 39, he is stretching his career out for moments of joy with his teammates.
Q: Why did Ronaldo's comment about facing Messi backfire? Portugal were eliminated in the round of 16 by Spain, while Argentina advanced to the semi-finals. The final they dreamed of never happened.
Q: How have Argentina built their team around Messi? Scaloni emphasises togetherness over tactics – drinking mate, playing cards, sharing barbecues. Rodrigo de Paul acts as Messi's on-field protector and off-field friend.
What happens next? Argentina face England in the semi-final in Atlanta on 15 July 2026. The winner will meet either France or Spain in the final. Messi's quest for a second consecutive World Cup continues.