Lionel Messi has hinted that he may represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but says his decision will depend on his physical condition in the months leading up to the tournament.
The 38-year-old Inter Miami star, who captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, said he still dreams of helping his country defend their title when the competition takes place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
In an interview with NBC News aired on Monday, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to. I would like to be there, to be well, and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there.”
Messi, who will turn 39 next June, revealed that he plans to assess his form and fitness during Inter Miami’s preseason next year before making a final decision.
“I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then make a decision,” he explained.
The Argentine captain, who made his professional debut for Barcelona in 2004, described the prospect of playing another World Cup as a “dream come true.”
“I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last one, and being able to defend it again is spectacular. It’s always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions,” he said.
Messi, Argentina’s all-time top scorer with 114 goals in 195 appearances, joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before moving to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami in 2023.
Reflecting on his life in the United States, he said he has comfortably settled in Miami with his family.
“I like everything about living here. I spent a lot of time in Barcelona, which is an extraordinary city where I grew up and had many wonderful moments. We miss it a lot, but Miami allows us to live well, enjoy life, be calm, and let the kids be themselves,” Messi said.
