Mario Kempes offers Messi advice should he want to play at the next World Cup

Mario Kempes is clear about the path Leo Messi should take if he wants to play in the next World Cup which will be held in the US, Canada and Mexico in 2026. ‘El Matador’, world champion in 1978 and former River Plate, Rosario Central and Valencia striker was adamant that the best thing for Messi would be to continue at Paris Saint-Germain.

“If he wants to play in the next World Cup, he’s best to stay in France”, declared Kempes speaking on TyC. He stated that in Ligue 1, Messi “can play his way and secure more rest” and that “for the French championship, Messi has more than sufficient quality, talent and energy”. “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”, he added.

“There is one thing in which Messi beats everyone and he can still runs 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.”