Lionel Messi has confirmed his desire to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating he “would love to” defend Argentina’s title but will make a final decision based on his physical condition.
The 38-year-old football legend, who led Argentina to victory in the 2022 tournament, expressed his eagerness for one more appearance on the world’s biggest stage.
“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup and I would love to,” Messi said in an interview with NBC News.
However, the Inter Miami star emphasized that his participation is not guaranteed. He plans to assess his fitness during the 2026 preseason.
“I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis… and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group… and then make a decision,” Messi explained.
The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Messi, who turns 39 next June, has made 195 appearances for Argentina, scoring 114 goals.
