Lionel Messi, Argentina’s iconic captain and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, has expressed his desire to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, though he admits that his age and physical condition will ultimately determine whether he can take part. The tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, could see Messi attempt to defend the title he famously helped Argentina win in Qatar 2022.
Still Chasing Glory Two Decades On
Now approaching his 39th birthday next June, Messi continues to defy expectations of longevity. He recently extended his contract with Inter Miami until 2028, signalling his intention to keep playing at the highest level for at least a few more years. Speaking to NBC News, the Argentine legend said he would make a final decision next year after evaluating his form and fitness during pre-season training with his Major League Soccer club.
“It’s something extraordinary to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” Messi said in the interview released on Monday.
“I want to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my team if I am there. I’ll assess things day by day when I start pre-season with Inter next year — to see if I can really be at 100%, if I can be useful, and then I’ll decide.”
He added,
“We’re coming off winning the last one, and being able to defend it again would be spectacular. It’s always a dream to play for the national team.”
A Career of Longevity and Reinvention
Messi’s professional journey spans over two decades. He made his Barcelona debut in 2004, aged just 17, and went on to win 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions Leagues, and seven Copa del Reys during his 17-year stay at the Catalan club. After leaving Barcelona amid financial turmoil in 2021, he joined Paris Saint-Germain, winning two Ligue 1 titles before moving to Inter Miami in 2023.
His arrival in the United States transformed the football landscape, dramatically increasing global viewership of Major League Soccer (MLS) and igniting a wave of enthusiasm ahead of North America’s turn to host the 2026 World Cup — the first in history to feature 48 teams and three host nations.
From Near Misses to World Champion
For much of his career, Messi’s only unfulfilled dream was international silverware. After a series of heartbreaks — including defeats in the 2014 World Cup final and two Copa America finals — he finally lifted the Copa America in 2021, defeating Brazil in Rio de Janeiro. A year later, in Qatar 2022, he cemented his place among football’s immortals by leading Argentina to World Cup glory, overcoming France in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 3–3 draw in one of the greatest finals ever played.
Reflecting on that triumph, Messi said,
“It was the dream of my life. It was also the only thing missing at a professional level. I had achieved everything possible with Barcelona and individually, but becoming a world champion was the ultimate dream for any footballer.”
Record and Legacy
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| National Team | Argentina |
| International Appearances | 195 |
| International Goals | 114 (All-time Argentine record) |
| World Cup Appearances | 5 (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022) |
| World Cup Titles | 1 (2022, Qatar) |
| Copa America Titles | 1 (2021, Brazil) |
| Olympic Gold Medal | 1 (2008, Beijing) |
| Major Club Titles | 35+ |
| Ballon d’Or Awards | 8 (Record) |
Should Messi feature in 2026, it would mark his sixth World Cup appearance — a feat achieved by only a handful of players in football history, including Mexico’s Antonio Carbajal and Rafael Márquez, and Germany’s Lothar Matthäus.
Historical Perspective
If he participates, Messi would become one of the oldest outfield players ever to appear at a World Cup. The oldest, Cameroon’s Roger Milla, was 42 when he scored at the 1994 World Cup — also held in the United States.
Comparisons are already being drawn with Cristiano Ronaldo, who, at 41, is also expected to attempt one final appearance for Portugal in 2026. The prospect of both legends sharing the global stage once again has thrilled fans around the world.
A Measured Dream
For now, Messi remains cautious but hopeful. His performance at Inter Miami — where he has inspired a young team and drawn record crowds — suggests his passion and vision remain undiminished.
Should his body allow, football’s greatest modern icon could yet grace the world stage one final time, seeking not only to defend Argentina’s title but to extend one of the most remarkable international careers in football history.
Whether or not 2026 becomes his farewell, Lionel Messi’s influence on the sport — across generations, continents, and cultures — is already assured.