Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward, has expressed his desire to compete in the upcoming 2026 World Cup in North America. With nearly two decades of an illustrious career behind him, Messi acknowledges that his age and fitness will significantly influence his decision on participating, particularly as his national team looks to defend the title they won in 2022.
Recently, Messi signed a contract extension with Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, keeping him with the club until 2028. This move suggests that he is not yet considering retirement despite approaching 39 years old next June. In a candid interview with NBC News, Messi stated his intention to assess his physical condition next year before making a final call on his World Cup involvement, saying, “It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to.”
He emphasized the importance of being fit and capable of making significant contributions to his team, outlining, “I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter.” Messi also reflected fondly on his international achievements, particularly the joy of winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which he described as “the dream of my life.” His international career includes 195 appearances and 114 goals for Argentina, with another World Cup potentially marking a significant career milestone.
Should he take the field again in the 2026 tournament, it would see Messi participate in his sixth World Cup, further solidifying his legacy. His ongoing involvement in soccer, especially during his tenure with Inter Miami, has sparked unprecedented interest in Major League Soccer, hinting at a bright future for the sport in the United States.
As excitement mounts for the 2026 World Cup, fans are hopeful that Messi will once again showcase his extraordinary talents, bolstering Argentina’s prospects and inspiring a new generation of soccer enthusiasts. His commitment to both his national team and the sport exemplifies his passion and dedication, ensuring that Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest players of all time continues to flourish.