Will Lionel Messi play for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup?

Lionel Messi, who is still chasing international glory almost two decades into his playing career, says he hopes to play in the 2026 World Cup in North America, acknowledging that his age and fitness will determine his role in defending Argentina’s title in 2022.

The Argentine recently extended his contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami through 2028, indicating he is not yet considering retirement despite turning 39 in June.

Speaking to NBC News, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he will take time to assess his physical condition next year before deciding whether to play in the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

«It’s something extraordinary to be able to participate in a World Cup, and I would really like to do that,» the Argentina captain said in the interview released on Monday.

«I want to be there, be healthy and be an important part of helping my team when I’m there. I’m going to assess that day by day when I start pre-season at Inter next year and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful and then make a decision.»

«I’m really looking forward to it because it’s a World Cup. We’re working on winning the last one, and being able to defend on the pitch again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team.»

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Messi has had a professional career spanning more than twenty years. He made his debut for Barcelona in 2004 at the age of 17, then played for Paris St Germain and joined Inter Miami in 2023. He sparked new interest in the American league at a crucial time for the sport in North America, ahead of hosting next year’s World Cup.

Although Messi has collected numerous club and individual honours, international success had eluded him until he claimed the 2021 Copa America before beating France 4-2 on penalties to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“It was the dream of my life,” Messi said of the victory.

«It was also true that this was the only thing missing at the professional level, because I had been fortunate to have achieved everything at the individual level, at the team level with Barcelona. I think that is the dream of every player. If you ask a player what his dream is, it is to become world champion.»

Messi played 195 games and scored a record 114 goals for his country. A return for the 2026 World Cup would mark his sixth appearance in the tournament.

Published on October 28, 2025