Lionel Messi says he hasn’t decided whether he will play in the 2026 World Cup, acknowledging age and health will ultimately determine if he takes the field in North America next summer.
Messi, 38, scored twice in Argentina’s win over Venezuela on Sept. 4 in what could be his last World Cup qualifier at home. After the match, the World Cup champion admitted the tournament is tempting — but far from guaranteed.
“Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it,” Messi said. “But we’re almost there, and I’m excited and motivated to play. I go day by day, match by match, being honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it. When I don’t, I prefer not to be there.”
Messi said he will wait until after this MLS season and a full preseason in 2026 before making a final call. His comments also signaled he expects to extend his contract with Inter Miami, where he has played since July 2023.
If Messi does appear in 2026, it would mark his sixth World Cup, matching longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo should the Portuguese forward also compete.
Messi guided Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a triumph he initially described as his last. Since then, injuries have shadowed his career in Miami, including leg and ankle setbacks that sidelined him for weeks.
Inter Miami, meanwhile, has fallen short in three tournaments this year but remains in the hunt for the MLS Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup.
Messi will skip Argentina’s qualifier against Ecuador on Sept. 9 but could feature in four friendlies later this year — two in the United States in October and two more in Angola and India in November.
