Lionel Messi, still pursuing international success nearly two decades into his illustrious career, has expressed his hope to compete in the 2026 World Cup in North America - though he admits his age and fitness will determine his role in Argentina’s title defense.
Messi has represented Argentina in 195 matches, scoring a record 114 goals for his country. A return for the 2026 World Cup would mark his remarkable sixth appearance in the prestigious tournament.
The Argentine legend recently extended his contract with MLS club Inter Miami through 2028, signaling that retirement isn’t on his mind just yet, even as he approaches his 39th birthday next June.
In an interview with NBC News, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he plans to evaluate his physical condition next year before making a final decision about participating in the tournament across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
"It's something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to," the Argentine captain said in the interview.
"I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my team, if I am there. 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 and then make a decision.
"I’m really eager because it's a World Cup. We're coming off winning the last one, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team."
Messi’s professional journey has stretched over two decades, beginning with his debut for Barcelona at age 17 in 2004, followed by a stint at Paris Saint-Germain and his move to Inter Miami in 2023. His arrival reignited enthusiasm for soccer in the United States at a pivotal time, with North America preparing to host next year’s World Cup.
Despite an extraordinary collection of club and individual honors, international glory long eluded Messi until he led Argentina to the 2021 Copa América title and then triumphed over France in a dramatic penalty shootout to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
"It was the dream of my life," Messi said of the victory.
Messi has represented Argentina in 195 matches, scoring a record 114 goals for his country. A return for the 2026 World Cup would mark his remarkable sixth appearance in the prestigious tournament.
The Argentine legend recently extended his contract with MLS club Inter Miami through 2028, signaling that retirement isn’t on his mind just yet, even as he approaches his 39th birthday next June.
In an interview with NBC News, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he plans to evaluate his physical condition next year before making a final decision about participating in the tournament across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
"It's something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to," the Argentine captain said in the interview.
"I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my team, if I am there. 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 and then make a decision.
"I’m really eager because it's a World Cup. We're coming off winning the last one, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team."
Messi’s professional journey has stretched over two decades, beginning with his debut for Barcelona at age 17 in 2004, followed by a stint at Paris Saint-Germain and his move to Inter Miami in 2023. His arrival reignited enthusiasm for soccer in the United States at a pivotal time, with North America preparing to host next year’s World Cup.
Despite an extraordinary collection of club and individual honors, international glory long eluded Messi until he led Argentina to the 2021 Copa América title and then triumphed over France in a dramatic penalty shootout to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
"It was the dream of my life," Messi said of the victory.
