Lionel Messi opens door to 2026 World Cup participation

Lionel Messi has refused to rule out playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that his decision will depend entirely on his physical condition as the tournament approaches.

In an interview with ESPN aired on Thursday, the 38-year-old Inter Miami forward and Argentina captain said: “I don’t know if I’ll get there. It depends on how I feel physically. Right now I feel very good, I’m enjoying football again, but I know the World Cup is still far away. I’ll evaluate it day by day, month by month.”

Messi, who led Argentina to the 2022 title in Qatar and was named player of the tournament, would turn 39 during the 2026 edition, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Should he participate, it would mark his sixth World Cup appearance, equalling the record held by Antonio Carbajal, Lothar Matthäus, Rafael Márquez and Gianluigi Buffon.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has enjoyed a strong 2025 season with Inter Miami, registering 20 goals and 16 assists across all competitions before suffering a minor injury layoff. Argentina, the defending champions, have already qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament.Messi’s cautious stance leaves open the possibility of one of football’s greatest careers could conclude on home soil for many of his club teammates.