Lionel Messi has revealed that he would like to be involved in the 2026 World Cup across Canada, Mexico and the United States, though he stressed that he has not yet made a definitive decision.
The Argentina captain is currently concentrating on club duties as Inter Miami prepare for Saturday’s MLS Cup final, a match that could deliver the club its first league crown.
The 38-year-old has been instrumental to Inter Miami’s campaign, contributing 35 goals and 21 assists across 33 MLS appearances, including postseason fixtures. While his immediate focus remains on securing silverware at club level, debate continues over whether he will extend his international career through next year’s World Cup.
“I hope I can be there,” Messi said in an interview. “I’ve said before that I’d love to be there. At worst, I’ll be there watching it live, but it will be special. The World Cup is special for everyone, for any country, especially for us, because we live it in a completely different way.”
Having achieved football’s ultimate prize with Argentina in Qatar in 2022, Messi faces a delicate choice: retire from international football on the high of that triumph, or press on to defend the title in 2026. There are compelling reasons on both sides. Replicating the 2022 euphoria would be a steep challenge, yet Messi’s current form suggests he could still make a meaningful impact for his country.
Beyond personal ambition, Messi must weigh the wider consequences of his decision. As a talisman and team leader, his retirement could alter squad dynamics and morale ahead of the tournament. Conversely, his presence could provide experience and stability to a side aiming to retain football’s top prize.
For now, Messi remains focused on the immediate task: helping Inter Miami lift the MLS Cup. His future with the national team, he indicates, will be decided in due course, with the possibility that he attends the 2026 finals in some capacity even if not as a player.
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