The 35-year-old has confirmed Sunday’s World Cup final against France will be his final appearance in the competition.
That would suggest Messi is set to quit international football altogether, having led Argentina to Copa America victory last year.
Beating France on Sunday would be the perfect way for Messi to finish his international career, particularly as he tasted defeat in the 2014 World Cup final.
But Martinez believes Messi could not only appear at the next World Cup in 2026 but continue playing until he is 50.
‘For me he can play until he is 50. He looks really sharp and he looks so good,’ said Martinez.
‘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.’
Martinez’s team-mate, Cristian Romero, is similarly hopeful that Messi will stay on with his country.
‘I hope this is not his last World Cup,’ said Romero.
‘This issue always comes up and we say we are going to ask him not to step down.
‘It makes us very happy to have him as a partner and to have him play with us.’
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