Argentina captain Lionel Messi should lead his nation at the 2026 World Cup in North America.

That is according to Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

The shot stopper, whose team are in the final in Qatar and will take on France on Sunday, has paid tribute to the nation's legendary forward.

Messi, at the age of 35, has been in outstanding form in leading his team to the final by beating the likes of Australia, Netherlands, and Croatia.

“For me he can play until he is 50. He looks really sharp and he looks so good," Martinez told FootballersLives.tv.

“He makes things look easy – it's the hardest thing to do. To understand how well he hits the ball is something.

“He puts the ball there and looks at you and hits the ball top corner, if he misses he hits the post, or crossbar.

“That left foot. He is small, but so strong."