Lionel Messi hopes to play in the 2026 World Cup to defend Argentina’s title, pending a fitness assessment before the tournament.
Lionel Messi is targeting a place at the 2026 World Cup in North America despite acknowledging his advancing age and fitness will determine his role for defending champions Argentina.
The Argentine superstar recently extended his contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami until 2028, indicating he has no immediate retirement plans even as he approaches his 39th birthday next June.
Messi told NBC News he will carefully evaluate his physical condition next year before committing to the tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner expressed his strong desire to participate in what would be his sixth World Cup appearance.
“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” the Argentine captain said in his Monday interview.
He emphasised that his final decision will depend on his ability to contribute meaningfully to the national team.
“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.”
Messi described the opportunity to defend Argentina’s World Cup title as particularly special following their 2022 victory in Qatar.
“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.”
The Inter Miami forward has enjoyed a remarkable professional career spanning over two decades since his Barcelona debut at age 17 in 2004.
His move to Major League Soccer has generated significant interest in North American soccer ahead of the region hosting the 2026 World Cup.
Messi finally achieved international success after winning the 2021 Copa America followed by Argentina’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final.
“It was the dream of my life,” Messi said of Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar.
He noted that the World Cup victory completed his collection of major honours after achieving everything at club level with Barcelona.
The Argentine captain has made 195 international appearances while scoring a record 114 goals for his country. – Reuters
ALSO READ: Lionel Messi agrees contract extension with Inter Miami beyond 2026
