Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi expressed his desire to play for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, but stated the final decision will depend on his physical condition and whether he can be “100%” to help the national team.
Lionel Messi has voiced his ambition to represent Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, though the 38-year-old superstar confirmed his participation will be determined by his physical health. The Inter
Miami striker, who captained Argentina to victory in the 2022 tournament, shared his thoughts in an interview broadcast on Monday, emphasizing the need to assess his fitness daily.
Messi, who turns 39 next June, stated: “It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup and I would love to.” He added that he will “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.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is eager to defend the title in North America, calling the opportunity “spectacular.” Messi, who debuted professionally in 2004, also spoke positively about his life in Miami, calling it a city that “allows us to live very well… and allows the kids to be themselves.” Messi currently holds 195 appearances and 114 goals for the national team.