Messi's World Cup run could help Harry Kane make a big decision about his future
7/16/2026 6:10:12 PM
Lionel Messi delivered another reminder of why he’s the greatest footballer of all time by inspiring Argentina’s dramatic 2026 Men's World Cup semifinal victory over England.
At 39, Messi created both late goals as Argentina overturned a 1–0 deficit to win 2–1, leaving Harry Kane and England to confront yet another painful tournament exit.
England had led through Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute goal and appeared to be closing in on the final. Argentina refused to accept defeat, however, and Messi ensured the defending champions would have the final say.
He helped create Enzo Fernandez’s equalizer in the 85th minute before supplying the cross that Lautaro Martinez headed home during stoppage time.
Kane turns to Messi after another England failure
Kane admitted England’s attempt to protect its narrow lead wasn’t enough against a team carrying Argentina’s quality, character, and belief.
“It’s a similar story to what’s happened in previous tournaments, I feel like,” Kane said. “We managed the momentum of the game so well for 60 minutes, we scored and got ahead.”
England then bottled the game and surrendered the initiative, allowing Argentina to attack repeatedly until the pressure produced a deserved comeback.
Kane will be 36 when the 2030 World Cup begins, raising questions about whether this was his final opportunity to win football’s greatest prize.
Unsurprisingly, he used Messi’s extraordinary longevity as evidence that another attempt remains possible.
“Again, it’s too early to talk about that,” Kane told BBC Sport. “I’m taking it year by year, and the national team is my pride and joy.
“It’s what I love to do more than anything.”
Messi shows Kane that age doesn’t have to decide everything
Kane then acknowledged what the football world had just witnessed from Argentina’s captain.
“Obviously, four years is a long way away. I’ll be 33 this summer, but as you see on the other hand with Leo there, he’s still performing at the highest level,” Kane said.
“I never want to put a limit on these things. I’ll address situations as they come, but for now it’s just about processing a tough loss.”
Messi hasn’t merely remained involved at an advanced age. He has continued deciding the biggest matches, carrying Argentina towards a possible second consecutive world title and strengthening a legacy that already stands above every other player.
Kane may continue with England because of that example, but he has never been, nor will he ever be, Lionel Messi.
At 39, Messi created both late goals as Argentina overturned a 1–0 deficit to win 2–1, leaving Harry Kane and England to confront yet another painful tournament exit.
England had led through Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute goal and appeared to be closing in on the final. Argentina refused to accept defeat, however, and Messi ensured the defending champions would have the final say.
He helped create Enzo Fernandez’s equalizer in the 85th minute before supplying the cross that Lautaro Martinez headed home during stoppage time.
Kane turns to Messi after another England failure
Kane admitted England’s attempt to protect its narrow lead wasn’t enough against a team carrying Argentina’s quality, character, and belief.
“It’s a similar story to what’s happened in previous tournaments, I feel like,” Kane said. “We managed the momentum of the game so well for 60 minutes, we scored and got ahead.”
England then bottled the game and surrendered the initiative, allowing Argentina to attack repeatedly until the pressure produced a deserved comeback.
Kane will be 36 when the 2030 World Cup begins, raising questions about whether this was his final opportunity to win football’s greatest prize.
Unsurprisingly, he used Messi’s extraordinary longevity as evidence that another attempt remains possible.
“Again, it’s too early to talk about that,” Kane told BBC Sport. “I’m taking it year by year, and the national team is my pride and joy.
“It’s what I love to do more than anything.”
Messi shows Kane that age doesn’t have to decide everything
Kane then acknowledged what the football world had just witnessed from Argentina’s captain.
“Obviously, four years is a long way away. I’ll be 33 this summer, but as you see on the other hand with Leo there, he’s still performing at the highest level,” Kane said.
“I never want to put a limit on these things. I’ll address situations as they come, but for now it’s just about processing a tough loss.”
Messi hasn’t merely remained involved at an advanced age. He has continued deciding the biggest matches, carrying Argentina towards a possible second consecutive world title and strengthening a legacy that already stands above every other player.
Kane may continue with England because of that example, but he has never been, nor will he ever be, Lionel Messi.