Lionel Messi, who famously led Argentina to its third FIFA World Cup title in 2022, has addressed growing speculation about his potential participation in the upcoming 2026 tournament. The 37-year-old forward, currently playing for Inter Miami, has sparked debates regarding his future in international football, yet he has shown no signs of slowing down.
Since joining Inter Miami on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last year, Messi has made a significant impact in Major League Soccer (MLS). He helped the team secure the Leagues Cup title and has played a pivotal role in their successful run to the playoffs, contributing to a record points tally in the regular season.
As the MLS season approaches its conclusion, the question of Messi’s availability for Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup looms large. The Argentine superstar, however, has emphasized that he is not rushing to make a decision about his future. In a recent interview with Fabrizio Romano for the 433 app, Messi stated, “I don’t know [if I will play in the 2026 World Cup]; they ask me a lot, especially in Argentina. I hope to finish this year well and start the year having a good preseason, which I didn’t have last year due to all the trips we had.”
He continued, “From there, I will see how I am doing and feeling. We are close, but at the same time, it’s a lot of time, and anything can happen in football. I’m simply living day to day without thinking beyond.”
Messi also discussed how he has adapted his playing style to align with his evolving fitness and age, saying, “I’ve changed my style of play because of the moment, the situation, and my age. I am adapting a little bit to everything, I started reinventing myself and adapting to the league, which for me was new. I felt very comfortable from the beginning.”
As Inter Miami prepares to face Atlanta United in the MLS playoffs, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring Messi’s performance and any developments regarding his future, especially as the countdown to the 2026 World Cup begins.
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