Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has spoken about his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Messi stated that he wants to play for Argentina in the World Cup, saying he will listen to his body before deciding whether he can make that dream come true.
The 38-year-old forward led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and yearns to be on the field when the “Albiceleste” defend the crown next year in North America.
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi told NBC News in an interview broadcast on Monday that he will see next year how his body feels before deciding on whether or not he can play in the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
He said: “It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup and I would love to.
“I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there.
“I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter Miami 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.”
Messi, who has been playing professionally since 2004, added that he wants the chance for one more star turn on football’s biggest stage.
“I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last World Cup and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions,” the Barcelona legend stated.
Messi, who debuted with Barcelona in LaLiga at age 17, joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021 and moved to MLS in 2023.
“The truth is that I like everything about living here,” Messi said of Miami.
He added: “I spent a lot of time in Barcelona, which for me is an extraordinary city, where I grew up and had many spectacular moments, and which we miss a lot.
“But Miami is a city that allows us to live very well, that makes us enjoy life, that allows us to be calm, that allows the kids to be themselves and live day to day.”
Messi has 195 appearances for the Argentine national team, scoring 114 goals.
