Argentine footballing legend Mario Kempes has advised his compatriot Lionel Messi it is best for him to stay at Paris Saint-Germain if he wants to play in FIFA World Cup 2026.
Lionel Messi’s current contract with Paris Saint-Germain, which he joined on a free transfer in 2021, is due to expire at the end of the current campaign. Messi and PSG have not yet reached an agreement over extending his contract at the French club.
That has led to speculation surrounding the future of the Argentine superstar, who will turn 36 in June this year. A move back to Barcelona has been speculated on. Several Barcelona players have already said they would love Messi to make a return to the Catalan outfit.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently left the door open to Lionel Messi for a return to the Catalan outfit. It remains to be seen what decision Messi takes with regards to his future, but Mario Kempes has urged him to stay at PSG.
Lionel Messi was told it’s best for him to stay at PSG if he wants to play in the next FIFA World Cup
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Mario Kempes, who won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in 1978, believes it would be best for Lionel Messi to extend his stay at PSG if he wants to play in FIFA World Cup 2026.
“If he wants to play in the next World Cup, he’s best to stay in France,” Mario Kempes told TyC [via AS].
Mario Kempes added: “For the Champions League, it’s maybe a different story but him staying at PSG for three years would be perfect. We will also what Messi can do in the 2026 qualification process and see what levels of stamina he has.
“There is one thing in which Messi beats everyone and he can still run and beat players when he has to. There is no worry that he fails to track back, no far from it, it’s important that he continues with this winning mentality. He plays with as much enthusiasm at PSG as he does with the national team now.”
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi led from the front and starred for Argentina as they won the FIFA World Cup title in the most recent edition of the competition.
Messi finally lifted that coveted trophy that had until then eluded him as Argentina beat France in a penalty shootout in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final after the two sides had remained locked in a draw at the end of normal and extra time.
