Lionel Messi Hints at Playing in FIFA World Cup 2026, Says Fitness Will Decide His Future:

Lionel Messi, still chasing international glory nearly two decades into his remarkable career, has expressed his desire to play at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America. However, the Argentine legend admits that his participation will ultimately depend on his fitness and form as he approaches his 40th birthday. In an exclusive interview with NBC News, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he would take time next year to evaluate his physical condition before deciding whether to represent Argentina once again on football’s biggest stage. “It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” Messi said. “I want to be there, to feel well, and to 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 Miami and see if I can really be 100 percent — if I can be useful — and then make a decision.” The Inter Miami star, who will turn 39 next June, recently extended his contract with the Major League Soccer (MLS) club through 2028. The new deal signals that Messi is not yet ready to consider retirement, even after achieving nearly every major milestone in his glittering career. Messi’s potential appearance at the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, would mark his record-breaking sixth participation in the tournament. He previously featured in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions, finally capturing the trophy in Qatar 2022 after Argentina’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over France. “Winning the World Cup was the dream of my life,” Messi reflected. “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 and with Barcelona. I think that’s every player’s dream — to be world champion.” Since debuting for FC Barcelona at just 17 years old in 2004, Messi has spent more than 20 years at the top of world football. After an illustrious spell with Barcelona, he moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before joining Inter Miami in 2023. His arrival in the MLS brought unprecedented global attention to American soccer, especially as North America prepares to host the upcoming World Cup. Messi has played 195 matches for Argentina, scoring a record 114 goals — making him the nation’s all-time leading scorer. Despite achieving his lifelong ambition in Qatar, the Argentine captain remains motivated by the prospect of defending the title. “I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup,” he said. “We’re coming off winning the last one, and being able to defend it again is spectacular. It’s always a dream to play with the national team.” As the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 begins, football fans around the world will be watching closely to see if Lionel Messi can once again grace the world stage — and possibly write one final, golden chapter in his legendary career.

SPORT