After 20 Years, Messi Aims to Guide Argentina at the 2026 World Cup
He said he’ll evaluate his physical condition next year before deciding if he’ll take part in the tournament.
Lionel Messi Eyes 2026 World Cup, Plans to Assess Fitness Before Deciding
Lionel Messi, nearly 20 years into his remarkable career, has expressed his desire to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The legendary forward, however, admits that his age and physical condition will ultimately determine whether he can take part in defending Argentina’s 2022 World Cup title.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner recently renewed his contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami until 2028, showing no signs of retirement despite turning 39 next June. In an interview with NBC News, Messi revealed he plans to evaluate his fitness during Inter Miami’s preseason next year before making a final decision about the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
“It’s something extraordinary to play in a World Cup, and I’d love to be there,” Messi said. “I’ll see how I feel day by day when preseason starts, and if I can be at 100% and help my team, then I’ll decide.”
Messi remains motivated to continue competing at the highest level, emphasizing the excitement of defending the World Cup title. “We’re coming off winning the last one, and being able to defend it again would be incredible. Playing for Argentina is always a dream,” he added.
The Argentine icon began his professional journey in 2004 with Barcelona, later joining Paris Saint-Germain and moving to Inter Miami in 2023. His arrival in the U.S. reinvigorated American soccer ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Throughout his illustrious career, Messi has achieved nearly every possible milestone — from record-breaking club triumphs to individual awards — yet his long-awaited international glory arrived with Argentina’s 2021 Copa América victory and the 2022 World Cup win over France in Qatar.
“Winning the World Cup was the dream of my life,” Messi said. “It was the one thing missing in my career after everything I achieved with Barcelona and individually. Every player dreams of being a world champion.”
With 195 international caps and a record 114 goals for Argentina, Messi’s potential return in 2026 would mark his sixth World Cup appearance, further solidifying his legendary status in world football.