MLS and Argentina star Lionel Messi stopped short of confirming he will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in an interview Thursday with ESPN.
The 38-year-old Inter Miami forward said he wants to help Argentina defend its 2022 crown in North America next summer.
«I hope I can be there. I said before that I would like to be there,» said Messi, who previously said he will play if his body holds up.
“Worst-case scenario, I’ll be there live, but it will be special,” he added. “The World Cup is special for everyone, for any country – especially for us, because we experience it in a completely different way.”
Inter Miami CF’s Lionel Messi heads the ball during training ahead of the MLS Cup final against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. | Photo credit: Getty Images via AFP
Inter Miami CF’s Lionel Messi heads the ball during training ahead of the MLS Cup final against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. | Photo credit: Getty Images via AFP
Messi, who will lead Inter Miami against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final on Saturday, acknowledged that the selection of talent – younger talent – lies deep in Argentina and that manager Lionel Scaloni will have to make difficult decisions before the World Cup.
«New players keep emerging; new faces keep coming in addition to the ones already there,» said the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. “If a group is like this, newcomers fit in more easily.”
Messi has played in five World Cups for Argentina and holds the national team records for caps (196) and goals (115).
Published on December 4, 2025
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