Lionel Messi has said he hopes to play for Argentina at next year’s World Cup, but he will only make a final decision after assessing how his body feels closer to the tournament.
The 38-year-old Inter Miami forward, who captained Argentina to glory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, admitted that representing his country again on football’s biggest stage would be a dream come true.
“It’s something extraordinary to be in a World Cup, and I would love to be there,” Messi told NBC News in an interview aired on Monday. “I want to be fit, to feel good, and to be an important part of helping my national team — if I’m there. I’ll evaluate that day by day when preseason starts next year with Inter, and then decide if I can really be 100% and useful to the team.”
Messi, who turns 39 in June 2026, said his desire to play remains strong, especially with Argentina heading into the tournament as defending champions.
“I’m really eager because it’s the World Cup,” he said. “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, especially in a major competition.”
Read Also;
WAFCON: Super Falcons eye qualification in decisive Benin clash Tuesday
Messi began his professional career with Barcelona at just 17, later joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before moving to Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami in 2023.
Reflecting on his life in the U.S., Messi said he’s happy and settled in Miami. “The truth is, I like everything about living here,” he said. “I spent many years in Barcelona, which was an extraordinary city where I grew up and had incredible moments. We miss it a lot. But Miami allows us to live well, enjoy life, and gives the kids freedom to just be themselves.”
Messi currently holds the record for the most appearances for Argentina, with 195 caps and 114 goals — and fans around the world are hoping he’ll add to those numbers in 2026.
