Lionel Messi can lead Argentina to World Cup glory in two years even though he will turn 39 during the tournament, insists close friend Emi Martinez.

Messi realised a lifelong ambition when he helped Argentina to their third title in Qatar in 2022 and was also part of the squads who won the Copa America in 2021 and earlier this year.

After years of disappointment with the national side, Messi has found the golden touch and even though Qatar was widely assumed to have been his last World Cup, Martinez believes the Inter Miami star may have one more left in him.

‘I think he will go year after year and see how he feels,’ said the Aston Villa goalkeeper. ‘I still think he has got the power to go to the World Cup.’

Martinez’s friendship with Messi had some Villa fans daydreaming that the 37-year-old – regarded by many to be the greatest player in the history of the game – could be tempted into a swansong at Villa Park.

Lionel Messi Messi realised a lifelong ambition by leading Argentina to the World Cup in 2022

Emi Martinez, left, believes his close friend could feature at the next World Cup aged 39

Messi now has the golden touch with Argentina after World Cup and two Copa America wins

Yet Martinez believes there was never any chance of the move happening – because of the Birmingham weather.

He added: ‘Listen, he was leaving Barcelona after so many years. I don’t think he was going to come to Birmingham, cold and rainy weather! No chance.’

Martinez faces former club Arsenal on Saturday with both trying to build on a winning start to the campaign.

Arsenal beat Wolves 2-0 at Emirates Stadium on the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign, with Villa winning 2-1 at West Ham.