Lionel Messi remains noncommittal about 2026 World Cup as he keeps his future open

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup less than a year away, football icon Lionel Messi remains uncertain about whether he will feature in what would be his sixth and likely final World Cup appearance.

The Inter Miami star, who is currently captaining Argentina in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, admitted after their most recent win that a final decision regarding his participation in the tournament is yet to be made.

“As I have said before, I don’t think I will play another World Cup. At my age, it’s only logical to think I might not,” Messi told reporters after Argentina’s 3–0 win over Venezuela on September 5.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

The 38-year-old delivered a vintage performance in what could potentially be his last World Cup qualifier on Argentine soil, scoring two goals to lead the Albiceleste to a commanding victory in Buenos Aires. His brace took his tally to a staggering 114 goals in 194 appearances for the national team — solidifying his status as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer by a wide margin.

Despite having helped secure Argentina’s qualification to the 2026 tournament — which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada — Messi emphasized that his decision to play will ultimately hinge on his physical condition and form leading up to the event.

“Day by day, I try to feel good and, above all, be honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it. But when I don’t, honestly, I don’t enjoy it — and if that’s the case, I’d rather not be there,” said the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Lionel Messi is the all-time top scorer and assist provider for:

Argentina
Barcelona
Inter Miami

Greatness! 🐐 pic.twitter.com/0cH24cMkOJ

— Sholy Nation Sports (@Sholynationsp) September 18, 2025

“So we will see. I haven’t made a decision yet about the World Cup. Match by match, I will finish this season, then have preseason, and in six months, I’ll see how I feel. Hopefully, I can finish this MLS season strong, have a good preseason in 2026, and then make a decision.”

The statement echoes similar sentiments he shared earlier this year, signaling that his days on the international stage may be winding down, but not entirely over.

Messi was visibly moved during the post-match scenes at Estadio Monumental, where tens of thousands of fans paid tribute to the living legend in what many believe could be his last competitive appearance in Argentina colors on home turf.

“To be able to finish this way here is what I always dreamed of — finishing with my people,” he said, reflecting on the emotional moment.

“For many years, I had Barcelona’s affection, and my dream was to have it here in my country as well. A lot was said over the years, but I will keep the good moments we built with a group that tried but couldn’t win it all — until it finally happened for me and a few from my generation. Everything we lived through was beautiful.”

Messi’s international journey has seen it all: heartbreaks in three Copa América finals, a gut-wrenching loss in the 2014 World Cup final, and ultimately, redemption with Argentina’s 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph in Qatar.

Argentina have already punched their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after finishing top of the CONMEBOL qualifiers with 38 points from 18 matches, nine points ahead of second-place Ecuador. The defending world champions were clinical throughout the campaign, combining defensive solidity with attacking brilliance — much of which still revolves around their talismanic captain.

Messi’s performances in the qualifiers — even at 38 — have shown little sign of slowing down. While his club season with Inter Miami has had its ups and downs due to injury and fixture congestion, his commitment to the national team has remained steadfast.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate basketball fans.