After Argentina secured a spot in next year’s competition, the main question now is whether the 37-year-old star will play in his sixth tournament and try to win back-to-back championships.

The race to book a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues across South America during the March international period, with world champions Argentina leading the pack as things stand. La Albiceleste are currently top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table and can secure a berth at next summer's tournament should they sit 13 points ahead of seventh place after meetings with Uruguay and Brazil.

Argentina is proving it can win without Lionel Messi, just in case he opts not to play in the 2026 World Cup. After Argentina secured a spot in next year's competition, the main question now is whether the 37-year-old star will play in his sixth tournament and try to win back-to-back championships.