Buenos Aires, October 28: Argentina captain and World Cup hero Lionel Messi has said he would love to represent his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but will make a final decision after assessing his physical condition next year.
The 38-year-old Inter Miami forward revealed that while the dream of defending Argentina’s title in North America burns strong, his body will ultimately decide whether it’s possible.
“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” Messi said. “I would like to be there, to be well, and be an important part of helping my national 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 to the group, and then make a decision.”
Messi, who turns 39 next June, led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, cementing his legacy as one of football’s greatest-ever players. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said the motivation to compete again remains high, especially after the triumph in Qatar.
“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 on the field would be spectacular,” he said. “It’s always a dream to play for the national team, especially in official competitions.”
Messi has made 195 appearances for Argentina, scoring 114 goals since his debut in 2005. He began his professional career with Barcelona at age 17, later playing for Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami in 2023.
Now settled in the United States, Messi spoke fondly of his life in Miami, where he feels at peace both on and off the pitch.
“The truth is that I like everything about living here,” he said. “I spent a lot of time in Barcelona, which is an extraordinary city that we miss a lot. But Miami allows us to live very well, to enjoy life, to be calm, and for the kids to be themselves.”
Whether Messi will don the Albiceleste shirt for one final World Cup remains uncertain, but his desire to be part of the title defence — if fitness allows — offers hope to millions of Argentine fans dreaming of one more dance from their legendary No. 10.
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