Lionel Messi has hinted that he may yet feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but says his final decision will depend on how his body responds during next season’s campaign with Inter Miami.
The Argentine captain, now 38, led his country to World Cup glory in Qatar two years ago and admitted that the idea of defending that title still excites him.
In an interview with NBC News aired on Monday, Messi said he would love to represent Argentina again — but only if he feels physically ready to contribute meaningfully to the team.
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“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” he said. “I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there.”
The 2026 edition of the tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Messi, who turns 39 next June, acknowledged that competing at the highest level again would be demanding but said his decision will come after assessing his fitness during Inter Miami’s preseason.
“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 to the group, to the national team, and then make a decision,” he said.
For the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, the thought of another World Cup appearance remains a powerful motivation. “I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last World Cup and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions,” Messi said.
Messi began his professional career with Barcelona in 2004, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer before joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. Two years later, he made a move to Major League Soccer with Inter Miami.
Reflecting on his new life in Florida, the Argentine star said he enjoys the peace and family life away from the intensity of European football. “The truth is that I like everything about living here. I spent a lot of time in Barcelona, which for me is an extraordinary city where I grew up and had many spectacular moments, and which we miss a lot,” he said.
“But Miami is a city that allows us to live very well, enjoy life, be calm, and let the kids be themselves.”
Messi remains Argentina’s all-time top scorer, with 114 goals in 195 appearances.
