Cristian Romero has backed Argentina team-mate Lionel Messi to shine at the next World Cup, despite his age.

The veteran forward, 35, led the Albiceleste to global glory at the Qatar tournament in 2022, scoring twice in the final and again in the crucial penalty shoot-out.

There were suggestions Paris Saint-Germain‘s Messi could retire from international football after lifting the famous trophy, given he has previously said 2022 would be his last World Cup.

But Tottenham defender Romero has insisted the superstar can keep on playing – even though he will be 39 by the end of the 2026 competition.

He said: ‘Di María said that he’ll continue (with the National Team), and I hope Leo will continue too.

Cristian Romero (left) backed Argentina team-mate Lionel Messi to play at the 2026 World Cup

Veteran superstar Messi (centre) led his side to global glory at the Qatar tournament in 2022

And Tottenham defender Romero insisted he can shine in the 2026 tournament – despite the Paris Saint-Germain forward previously saying the 2022 edition would be his last World Cup

‘I see him (doing) very well physically, he played every game at the World Cup.

‘For me he’ll arrive at the next World Cup, but it’s his decision. He has to continue.’

Lionel Scaloni’s South American side will be among the favourites for the 2026 World Cup held in the US, Canada and Mexico.

They edged past France 4-2 on penalties after the match had finished 3-3 following extra time, with Messi’s double and Angel Di Maria’s goal cancelling out PSG star Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick for Les Bleus.

The 172-cap international has scored 17 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions so far this season for the French giants.

On Thursday, Brighton and Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister also insisted he wants to see Messi continue, claiming the football icon will ‘still be the best in the world’ at the age of 45.

He said: ‘He knows that we want everything as long as he wants and can, so hopefully he can continue with us. Obviously I see Messi in the next World Cup. I have no doubt that at 40 or 45 he will continue to be the best in the world.

‘He is very professional, you can see it, he is in perfect physical condition to continue playing calmly. And afterwards, he has everything in his head, beyond the physical (side) he has everything in his head. We don’t have any problem running for him.’

Lionel Scaloni’s Albiceleste side will be among the strong favourites for the 2026 competition

SRC: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/