Will Lionel Messi Play in the 2026 World Cup?

Lionel Messi eyes 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi is eager to join Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, but the 38-year-old's participation hinges on his fitness levels. After leading Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022.

“It's something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to...”

Lionel Messi is eager to participate in the 2026 World Cup, aiming to lead Argentina to defend their title. However, he'll assess his fitness and age before making a final decision.

At 38, Messi has extended his contract with Inter Miami through 2028, indicating he doesn't plan to retire anytime soon. He'll evaluate his physical condition during preseason training next year to determine if he'll play in the World Cup.

Messi has played in 195 matches for Argentina, scoring a record 114 goals. A return for the 2026 World Cup would mark his sixth appearance in the tournament.

“I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there,” Messi said. “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.”

Lionel Messi is eager to play for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, but he'll assess his fitness before making a final decision. “It's something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” the Argentine captain said. He'll evaluate his physical condition during preseason with Inter Miami to determine if he can be “100%” and “useful” to the team.

Messi expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament, saying, “I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there.” He emphasized that defending the title on the field again would be “spectacular” and a dream come true. Messi led Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 and wants to be part of the team that defends the title.

“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.”

Golden Boot, golden performance — Leo Messi, our #IconOfTheMatch 👑⚽ @RoyalCaribbean pic.twitter.com/TMIPINFq4X

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 25, 2025

Lionel Messi's remarkable professional career spans over two decades, beginning with his debut for Barcelona at 17 in 2004. He later played for Paris Saint-Germain before joining Inter Miami in 2023, revitalizing interest in the American league ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Messi's trophy cabinet was once lacking in international success, but he rectified this by leading Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa America. He then cemented his legacy by winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, defeating France 4-2 on penalties.

“It was the dream of my life,” Messi said of the victory.

"It was also true that it was the only thing missing at a professional level because I had been lucky enough to have achieved everything at an individual level, at a team level with Barcelona, and I think that's every player's dream. When you ask a player what their dream is, it’s to be world champion.”

Messi will assess his fitness during Inter Miami's preseason next year before making a final decision.

Lionel Messi would make history with another World Cup appearance, potentially marking his sixth tournament participation. He has played 195 matches for Argentina, scoring a record 114 goals.