Football icon Lionel Messi has revealed that he would love to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but insists his participation will depend on his physical condition and readiness when the time comes.
The 38-year-old Inter Miami forward, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, told NBC News in an interview aired Monday that while he dreams of defending the title, he will only commit if his body allows him to perform at the highest level.
“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.”
Messi, who turns 39 in June next year, said his decision will be made after he evaluates his fitness and form during preseason training with Inter Miami in early 2026.
“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 added.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains one of the most decorated players in football history and is widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever play the game. Having lifted the World Cup in Qatar, Messi has expressed his desire to experience the tournament one more time — this time in North America, where the United States, Mexico, and Canada will co-host the 2026 edition.
“I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup,” he said. “We’re coming off winning the last one and being able to defend it again is spectacular. It’s always a dream to play for the national team, especially in official competitions.”
Messi began his professional career with Barcelona at just 17, where he spent two decades and became the club’s all-time top scorer. After a brief stint with Paris Saint-Germain, he joined Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami in 2023, helping to raise the league’s global profile.
Now settled in the United States, Messi says he and his family are enjoying life in Miami.
“The truth is that I like everything about living here,” he said. “Barcelona was an extraordinary city where I grew up and had many spectacular moments, but Miami allows us to live calmly and enjoy life. The kids can be themselves and live day to day.”
Messi has made 195 appearances for Argentina, scoring 114 international goals, making him the country’s all-time leading scorer.
If he competes in 2026, Messi would become one of the oldest outfield players to feature in a World Cup — and potentially the first captain in history to lift consecutive titles in nearly 60 years.
