FIFA’s announcement of the three official candidates to host the 2038 FIFA World Cup has sent shockwaves through the footballing community—but nothing has caused more uproar than Argentina’s unexpected inclusion on the shortlist. What was initially perceived as a triumph for South American football quickly transformed into a firestorm of debate after Lionel Messi, the nation’s greatest-ever icon, openly opposed the bid in a stunning statement that stunned fans worldwide.
The governing body confirmed that Argentina, Saudi Arabia, and Australia will be the nations competing in the final round of the bidding process. The revelation that Argentina—still recovering from economic turbulence and infrastructural setbacks—had managed to secure a place among the finalists raised more than a few eyebrows. Yet FIFA officials insist that special conditions were met, citing “long-term strategic commitments,” “developmental partnerships,” and “historic football legacy” as core reasons for Argentina’s elevation to the shortlist.
For many, this seemed like a symbolic nod to a country with an illustrious football culture. But for Lionel Messi, the legendary former captain and global ambassador of the sport, the decision did not sit well.
In a rare public statement, Messi broke his usual diplomatic tone and voiced clear disapproval. “I love my country deeply, but I don’t believe Argentina is ready for such a responsibility at this time. It wouldn’t be fair—for the fans, for the players, or for the future of football here,” he said. His comments immediately ignited widespread debate, turning what should have been a moment of national pride into a polarizing national crisis.
According to sources close to the Argentine Football Association (AFA), FIFA’s decision was influenced by the government’s promise to implement a massive, country-wide infrastructure renewal program—one that would modernize stadiums, expand transportation networks, and build new sporting facilities across multiple regions. These promises reportedly gave Argentina a competitive edge, especially as FIFA increasingly prioritizes legacy-driven development in emerging regions.
However, Messi’s objection stems from a starkly different perspective. Insiders reveal that the world champion believes Argentina’s current political and economic challenges make such commitments unrealistic. “Messi fears that a World Cup project of this scale could overwhelm the country instead of lifting it,” one associate explained. “He doesn’t want to see the people burdened by investments that the nation cannot sustain.”
The backlash to his comments has been immediate and intense. Some fans praise Messi for his honesty and willingness to speak difficult truths; others accuse him of undermining Argentina’s global reputation. AFA officials have adopted a neutral stance, acknowledging Messi’s concerns but reaffirming the federation’s ambition to bring the World Cup back to South America.
International reaction has been equally divided. Analysts in Europe argue that Messi’s criticism carries substantial weight given his global influence and deep understanding of Argentina’s realities. In contrast, Saudi Arabia’s bid committee reportedly views the controversy as a potential advantage, believing the dispute could weaken Argentina’s internal unity during the final evaluation phase.
Australia, meanwhile, has chosen a diplomatic approach, focusing its campaign on sustainability, multicultural inclusion, and legacy-based sports development. Experts widely believe that the 2038 race is now more open than ever, thanks in large part to Messi’s unexpected intervention.
What remains striking is the timing of Messi’s statement. The 2038 bidding process is entering its most critical phase, during which public support, national stability, and organizational backing all play major roles in FIFA’s final decision. By speaking out now, Messi has not only challenged Argentina’s preparedness but also raised broader questions about FIFA’s evaluation criteria and its willingness to consider countries undergoing significant internal challenges.
Some speculate that Messi’s comments may have been motivated by broader concerns about Argentina’s football structure. Reports suggest he has privately voiced frustration over the lack of long-term planning within the nation’s football ecosystem, particularly regarding youth development, infrastructure maintenance, and financial transparency. Hosting the World Cup could potentially expose these vulnerabilities on the world stage—something Messi fears could damage Argentina more than help it.
As the debate intensifies, one fact remains clear: Argentina’s bid is no longer simply a governmental or sporting project—it has become a national discussion shaped by its most iconic figure. Whether Messi’s stance will influence FIFA’s final decision is still uncertain, but his words have already transformed the narrative surrounding the 2038 World Cup race.
FIFA is expected to conduct final inspections and evaluations over the coming months before announcing the host nation next year. Until then, Argentina finds itself in the global spotlight, navigating between hope, controversy, and the powerful voice of a legend who, even in retirement, continues to shape the future of the sport.
One thing is certain: the road to the 2038 World Cup has become far more dramatic than anyone anticipated—and Lionel Messi has once again proven that his influence extends far beyond the pitch.
