Aston Villa legend Gabriel Agbonlahor has backed Lionel Messi to feature at the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The Argentine will be 43 years old then, when the tournament will be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain in 2030. The former England player also claimed that if Messi signs for Aston Villa, he will win the Premier League and Champions League.
Argentina's Lionel Messi has been backed to feature at the 2030 World Cup. (AP)
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Messi is currently leading the Golden Boot race at the 2026 World Cup with five goals. He also became the all-time leading goalscorer in the tournament with 18 goals.
Speaking on the talkSport show, Agbonlahor was asked which superstar he would want in Aston Villa from Messi, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. "Messi. I think Villa would win the Premier League."
"If Aston Villa sign Messi, Aston Villa win the Premier League and Champions League."
Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's opening 3-0 win against Algeria, equalling Miroslav Klase's record as the tournament's joint all-time goalscorer. Then he got a brace against Austria, which saw him overtake Klose and become the all-time top goalscorer in World Cup history with 18 goals.
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"I went to the Argentina-Mexico game in a Qatar World Cup game, I had nosebleed seats, but Argentinian fans everywhere. And it felt like you're in [the] company of a God, you felt the fans, it feels like you're in a 90-minute concert. A 90-minute Messi concert and it's one of the best concerts you'll ever go to," Agbonlahor said.
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"I went to the Argentina-Mexico game in a Qatar World Cup game, I had nosebleed seats, but Argentinian fans everywhere. And it felt like you're in [the] company of a God, you felt the fans, it feels like you're in a 90-minute concert. A 90-minute Messi concert and it's one of the best concerts you'll ever go to," Agbonlahor said.
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"The fans, the whole game, I was watching it yesterday, all I can hear is, 'Messi, Messi,' the whole game, after the game, like Olivia says. He's different... do not be surprised, I've said it the other day, Messi will play another World Cup," he added.
When Messi was asked about his future recently, he said, "Yes, yes... I will continue for some time, as long as I can contribute, feel good physically, and help my teammates... I will keep playing."
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The Inter Miami star was also asked about the possibility of featuring in the 2030 World Cup. "I don't know. The truth is, I'm not thinking about that right now. It seems a bit far off... but, as I said, I'm living one day at a time and focused on the present," he said.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
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Home/Sports/Football/Lionel Messi tipped to play at 2030 FIFA World Cup, Argentina skipper drops cryptic update: ‘Not thinking about that’
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