Lionel Messi has opened up about his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Messi added the only trophy missing in his magnificent cabinet by winning the World Cup in Qatar last year. However, soccer fans have been speculating whether Messi would play in the sixth World Cup of his career. In this article, we will take a look at what the Argentine ace has to say about his future.
Lionel Messi recently sat down for an interview with the Argentine journalist Sebastian Vignolo. During the interview, Messi was asked whether he would like to play in another World Cup again. While Messi didn’t confirm his participation, he hasn’t ruled it out also. Messi said, “I don’t think about the World Cup yet and I CAN’T say that I WON’T be there too because everything can happen later.“
🚨 Leo Messi talks about the World Cup 2026
“Now I want to be here more than ever because after having spent so many years suffering, today we are experiencing a special moment that I have never experienced with the Argentine national team.
“I want to enjoy, I want to enjoy… pic.twitter.com/l5k7E9ACES
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) December 1, 2023
He further explained that his age during the next World Cup will be the most important factor in deciding his participation. Messi will turn 39 by the time the 2026 World Cup kicks off in the United States. However, he has also added that his participation will depend heavily upon how Argentina‘s Copa America goes in 2024. Argentina are set to defend their continental title on the American soil.
🚨🇦🇷Lionel Scaloni will step down as Argentina coach after the 2024 Copa America. ✍️@leoparadizo pic.twitter.com/4v3LuggI0Y
— PSG Chief (@psg_chief) November 29, 2023
He said, “Maybe the Copa América will not go well or, everything will be given for us to continue, or maybe not, the truth is that I can’t say the answer now.” Messi’s compatriot Angel Di Maria has already announced that he will retire from the national team after Copa America 2024. It has also been reported that Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni will also step down after the tournament.
Lionel Messi is thankful for winning the hearts of Argentine fans
While Lionel Messi has kept his 2026 World Cup participation in doubt, he has no second thoughts about his love for the national team. In the interview, Messi said how much he enjoys playing for La Albicelestes, even so more after winning the World Cup. He said, “I want to enjoy, I want to enjoy coming to Argentina, I feel very good with the group.“
However, this hasn’t been the same for Lionel Messi throughout his career. While Messi has enjoyed success at club level while playing for FC Barcelona, Messi’s time at the national team hasn’t always been a bed of roses. The 36-year-old faced failure on multiple occasions, losing a World Cup final and two consecutive Copa America finals. Moreover, he faced widespread criticism from the Argentine media and the fans as well.
Messi, however, has managed to turn his fortunes around. In the last two years, Messi has won the World Cup, the Copa America, and the Finalissima as well. Speaking about the Argentine fans, Messi said, “Changing the position in the national team and winning the hearts of everyone in Argentina is a victory for me.” He also expressed his gratitude for the love the Argentine fans have been showing him in recent times.