Messi Is 38. This Is Almost Certainly His Last World Cup. No Pressure.

In 2022, Lionel Messi finally got the one trophy that had escaped him his entire career.

He was 35 years old, playing in his fifth World Cup, and Argentina had not won the tournament since 1986. When he lifted the trophy in Lusail Stadium in Qatar that December night, grown men cried in living rooms from Buenos Aires to Kathmandu. It was one of those sporting moments that transcends the game itself.

Now he is 38. And he is doing it again.

With more World Cup appearances than any male player, captain Messi is set for a record sixth tournament in North America. It could be the final one for the 38-year-old, who is three goals shy of the all-time World Cup goal record of 16.

Argentina have been drawn into Group J alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan. On paper, it is a manageable group. Algeria are dangerous but not the toughest draw. Austria have quality but have not been at a World Cup this century. Jordan are first-timers.

Argentina should get out of the group. The question is what happens after that.

Argentina aim to become the first back-to-back male world champions since Brazil in 1962. However, recent history is against them — three of the last four defending champions were eliminated in the group stage.

So history says they probably won't do it again. Messi has spent his entire career making history say something else.

Argentina's group stage games: vs Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City, vs Austria on June 22 in Dallas, vs Jordan on June 27 in Dallas.

Set your alarms. Watch every Messi touch like it might be the last time. Because at 38, at a World Cup, it genuinely might be.