World Cup 2030 Could Expand to 64 Teams as Messi Breaks Silence After Final Heartbreak

The 2026 FIFA World Cup may have only just concluded, but discussions are already underway about making the next edition even bigger. South American football leaders have confirmed plans to push for a historic 64-team World Cup in 2030, while Lionel Messi has spoken publicly for the first time since Argentina's heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 final.

South America pushes for a historic 64-team World Cup

CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez has confirmed that discussions are ongoing to expand the 2030 FIFA World Cup from 48 to 64 teams as part of the tournament's centenary celebrations.

The 2030 edition will commemorate 100 years since the first World Cup, with Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay each set to host opening matches before the tournament continues in the main host nations of Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

Dominguez believes a larger competition would better reflect football's global growth, arguing that increased participation creates more opportunities for emerging nations while turning the World Cup into an even greater worldwide celebration.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has already acknowledged that the proposal is under consideration following the successful introduction of the expanded 48-team format at the 2026 tournament. If approved, the move would create the largest World Cup in history, although it would also present significant logistical and scheduling challenges.

Messi breaks silence after Argentina's final defeat

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has shared an emotional message after Argentina's 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the World Cup final.

Spain secured their second world title thanks to Ferran Torres' decisive goal, denying Argentina back-to-back World Cup triumphs and leaving Messi devastated after another appearance in football's biggest match.

"The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal," Messi wrote on social media.

Despite the disappointment, the 39-year-old praised his teammates for reaching a second consecutive World Cup final and thanked Argentine supporters for standing behind the squad throughout the tournament.

Messi also congratulated Spain on their triumph, describing the team's journey as another source of pride for Argentine football.

An unforgettable tournament comes to an end

Although Argentina fell short in the final, Messi once again proved why he remains one of football's greatest players, finishing the tournament with eight goals and four assists while leading his nation to another deep World Cup run.

Attention now shifts toward the future. FIFA faces a major decision over whether to approve an unprecedented 64-team tournament in 2030, while football fans around the world continue to debate whether expanding the competition further would enhance the spectacle or reduce its competitive balance.

For Messi, the defeat may take time to overcome, but his performances throughout the tournament have further cemented his extraordinary World Cup legacy.