Buenos Aires, Dec. 30 -- Former Argentina and Inter Milan footballer Javier Zanetti has backed his compatriot and FIFA World Cup-winning icon Lionel Messi to play the FIFA World Cup next year, saying that while it is the striker's decision to play or not, he has "no doubt that it will happen".

Messi, at the age of 38, captured the most prestigious prize for his club, Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer, the MLS Cup, this year. He had an incredible season with the club, scoring a massive 29 goals and 19 assists in 28 matches. Even in the MLS Cup title clash, he did not score a goal but became the ultimate playmaker with his assists in his side's 3-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC. From what has been seen of Messi's fitness and perform...