Lionel Messi has been reluctant to substantiate his participation within the 2026 World Cup, regardless of being requested about it repeatedly in recent times. With lower than seven months till the event kicks off, the Inter Miami ahead defined how and when he’ll determine whether or not to affix the Argentina nationwide workforce.
After main Argentina to glory at each the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América, Messi has as soon as once more guided the reigning champions to the highest of the CONMEBOL qualifiers. The ahead continues to play a pivotal function beneath Lionel Scaloni, who has already made it clear that the choice to participate within the subsequent World Cup will relaxation fully with Messi.
NBC Information’ Tom Llamas requested Messi whether or not he plans to play within the 2026 version, which shall be hosted throughout america, Canada, and Mexico, and the Argentine icon didn’t conceal his enthusiasm: “It’s one thing extraordinary to have the ability to be in a World Cup, and I might like to.”
The 38-year-old then defined the standards he’ll use to make his remaining name. “I wish to be on the World Cup in good kind and be an vital half in serving to my nationwide workforce, if I’m there. I’ll consider this day-to-day when preseason begins with Inter Miami and see if I can actually be 100%, if I might be helpful to the group, to the nationwide workforce, after which I’ll decide,” Messi said.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF poses with the Icon of the Match Award.
As he has said earlier than, Messi received’t decide except he feels totally match and able to contributing. Whereas he has continued to characteristic in current call-ups and has starred within the 2025 MLS season, his bodily situation, and the truth that he’ll flip 39 through the event, shall be key components in his decision-making course of.
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Messi closed by reflecting on Argentina’s robust run over the previous yr and his motivation to maintain competing: “Clearly, I’m very excited as a result of it’s concerning the World Cup. We come after profitable the final World Cup, and having the ability to defend it on the sphere once more is unbelievable, as a result of it’s at all times a dream to play for the nationwide workforce, particularly in official tournaments.”
Messi and a dream fulfilled in 2022
After years of heartbreak and even a short retirement from worldwide play, Messi lastly accomplished his lifelong mission by profitable the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar in 2022. Since then, the stress has lifted, and within the twilight of his profession, he’s nonetheless taking part in with the identical pleasure that outlined his early years.
Reflecting on that triumph, Messi didn’t conceal what it meant to him: “It was the dream of my life. It was additionally true that it was the one factor lacking at knowledgeable stage as a result of I had been fortunate sufficient to have achieved every thing at a person stage, at a workforce stage with Barcelona, and I believe that’s each participant’s dream. Whenever you ask a participant what their dream is, it’s to be world champion.”
