Lionel Messi has expressed his desire to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, though the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner says he will only make a final decision after assessing how his body responds in the lead-up to the tournament.
The 38-year-old Inter Miami forward, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar 2022, admitted that the dream of defending the title in North America remains strong — but acknowledged that physical readiness will ultimately determine his participation.
Speaking to NBC News in an interview aired on Monday, Messi explained:
“It’s something extraordinary to be part of a World Cup, and I would love to be there. I want to feel well, to be an important part of helping my national team. I’ll evaluate that day by day when preseason starts next year with Inter, and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group — and then make a decision.”
Turning 39 next June, Messi said the motivation to compete on football’s biggest stage remains as strong as ever:
“I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last one, and being able to defend it is spectacular. Playing for the national team in major tournaments is always a dream.”
Messi’s illustrious career began at Barcelona, where he made his senior debut at 17 and went on to redefine the club’s history. After two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, he joined Inter Miami in 2023, helping to elevate Major League Soccer’s global profile.
Now settled in the United States, Messi spoke fondly of his new life off the pitch:
“I like everything about living here. Barcelona will always be special — it’s where I grew up and experienced incredible moments — but Miami allows us to enjoy life, to live calmly, and for my kids to be themselves every day.”
With 195 international appearances and 114 goals for Argentina, Messi’s potential participation in the 2026 tournament — co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada — would mark a historic fifth World Cup appearance for the Argentine captain.
