Messi: I would love to play at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Argentina legend and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has expressed his desire to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, he admits his participation will depend on how his body feels in the coming year.
Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar 2022, defeating France 4–2 on penalties in a dramatic final.
Messi, who has 195 international appearances and 114 goals, remains hopeful of defending the title when football’s biggest tournament heads to North America next summer.
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Speaking with NBC News’ Tom Llamas, Messi said he hasn’t ruled out playing at what would be his sixth World Cup, but will assess his fitness closer to the tournament.
“It’s something extraordinary to be able to play in a World Cup, and I would love to,” Messi said.
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“I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team. 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%, if I can be useful to the group.”
Messi, who will turn 39 in June 2026, acknowledged that age will be a factor but described the prospect of defending Argentina’s crown as “spectacular.”
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Since making his professional debut for Barcelona in 2004, Messi has enjoyed a decorated club career, winning numerous titles in Spain and France before joining MLS side Inter Miami in 2023.
“Miami allows us to live very well, to enjoy life, and to be calm,” Messi said of his new home. “The kids can be themselves and live day to day.”
Messi’s 2022 triumph ended decades of international heartbreak, as Argentina lifted their first World Cup since 1986. Reflecting on that achievement.
“It was the dream of my life. It was the only thing missing because I had achieved everything else at the club and individual levels. Every player’s dream is to be a world champion.”
