 "Lionel Messi has almost confirmed his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Image: Reuters")
Lionel Messi has dropped a major hint that he may play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the defending champions Argentina. Messi’s long wait for a World Cup trophy finally came to an end in 2022 in Qatar in his fifth appearance. Many believed that it was his last mega event, but the 38-year-old football maestro continues to play for Argentina, raising hopes that he could turn for the La Albiceleste at the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, who has already completed over two decades in international football, would turn 39 next June. But it’s not a major concern for the former Barcelona star if he stays healthy.
‘I would like to be there’: Messi on 2026 World Cup
Speaking to NBC News, Messi said he would take a call early next year, and if he feels fit, he would take part in the 2026 World Cup.
“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” Messi said. “I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my team, if I am there. I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter (and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful and then make a decision.
“I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last one, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team.”
Messi recently signed a contract extension with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami through 2028, hinting that retirement is not on the horizon anytime soon.
Talking about the 2022 World Cup win after beating France in the final, Messi said: “It was the dream of my life. It was also true that it was the only thing missing at a professional level because I had been lucky enough to have achieved everything at an individual level, at a team level with Barcelona, and I think that’s every player’s dream. When you ask a player what their dream is, it’s to be world champion.”
So far, Messi has played 195 matches in international football, scoring 114 goals for Argentina.