As speculation builds around the football legend’s future, fans worldwide are asking one crucial question: Will Lionel Messi represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who famously led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar 2022, has neither confirmed nor denied his participation in the tournament set to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
With conflicting statements from Messi himself, his teammates, and his coaches, the football community remains divided on whether the Argentine star will make history by appearing in his sixth World Cup.
Messi’s Current Position on World Cup 2026
Lionel Messi has maintained an ambiguous stance regarding his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Argentine captain, who will turn 39 during the tournament, has consistently emphasized living in the present rather than making definitive plans about his future.
Recent Statements from the Legend Himself
In recent interviews, Messi has prioritized his current happiness and physical wellbeing over setting concrete goals for future tournaments. Following an impressive hat-trick performance against Bolivia in October 2024, Messi addressed the speculation directly: “I haven’t set any deadlines. I just want to enjoy this moment. I’m more excited than ever to be here and to feel the fans’ support, knowing that these could be my last matches.”
The Inter Miami star further elaborated on his motivation to continue playing for Argentina: “As long as I feel good, can keep helping the team, and maintain my level of performance, we’ll keep enjoying this journey together.”
Prioritizing Health and Happiness
When receiving the America Legend award from Spanish publication Marca in October 2024, Messi expressed: “When I get to do what I love, I am happy. I value that more than reaching the 2026 tournament. I haven’t set a goal to reach the World Cup, but more so to live day-to-day and be well.” This statement indicates his focus on maintaining his joy in playing rather than fixating on specific long-term objectives.
The superstar has also acknowledged the possibility that his current appearances for Argentina could be his final ones, creating a bittersweet atmosphere around his international fixtures.
Insights from Teammates and Coaches
Those closest to Messi have provided intriguing perspectives on his potential World Cup appearance, often seeming more certain than the player himself about his participation in 2026.
Luis Suarez Reveals Messi’s “Desire”
Messi’s close friend and Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez recently made headlines by suggesting that Messi does indeed harbor ambitions to play in the 2026 tournament.
In an interview with El Pais, Suarez stated: “No, we do talk (about retirement). Jokingly, many times, but he (Messi) also has that desire to play in next year’s World Cup.”
The Uruguayan striker clarified that Messi has not explicitly confirmed his participation: “No, no, no, I don’t ask him either… I know what he is like and I don’t ask him anything regarding that. Time will tell.”
Javier Mascherano’s Vote of Confidence
Former Argentina teammate and current Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has expressed firm belief in Messi’s capability to perform at the highest level in 2026. Mascherano insists that Messi “has the legs and mindset” to lead Argentina at the tournament, providing a significant vote of confidence from someone who understands both Messi’s physical condition and competitive mentality.
Lionel Scaloni’s Patient Approach
Argentina’s national team coach Lionel Scaloni has adopted a more measured approach to the situation. Following Argentina’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, Scaloni urged restraint regarding questions about Messi’s future: “We will see what happens, there’s plenty of time. We must go one game at a time otherwise [we] will be speaking about the same thing the rest of the year and we need to leave him alone.”
The Argentina coach emphasized that the decision rests entirely with Messi: “He will decide it whenever he wants, let’s not drive him crazy with this.”
Factors Influencing Messi’s World Cup Decision
Several key factors will undoubtedly influence Messi’s decision about participating in the 2026 tournament. These considerations range from physical limitations to potential historic achievements.
Age and Physical Condition
By the time the 2026 World Cup kicks off, Messi will be 39 years old. At this age, even the most exceptional athletes face natural physical limitations. The tournament’s expanded format in 2026 could place additional physical demands on players, requiring careful management of Messi’s minutes and recovery time.
His recent injury history presents another concern. In March 2025, Messi missed Argentina’s World Cup qualifying matches due to a groin strain suffered during an Inter Miami match. These types of injuries could become more frequent and take longer to heal as he approaches his late 30s.
Historic Records Within Reach
The prospect of breaking significant records might serve as powerful motivation for Messi to continue his international career through 2026:
- First Player to Appear in Six World Cups: Currently, Messi has participated in five World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022), tying him with several players including Cristiano Ronaldo. Appearing in 2026 would make him the first player in football history to play in six tournaments.
- All-Time World Cup Goal-Scoring Record: According to reports, if Messi scores four goals in the 2026 tournament, he could become the top scorer in World Cup history, surpassing legends like Gerd Müller (14 goals) and Brazil’s Ronaldo (15 goals).
Argentina’s Strong Position
Argentina has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, leading the South American qualifying group. The team has demonstrated its ability to perform at a high level even without Messi, as evidenced by their 4-1 victory over Brazil in his absence.
This strong position gives Messi the luxury of time to make his decision without the pressure of qualification concerns. It also suggests that Argentina will field a competitive team capable of supporting him should he choose to participate.
The Potential Legacy Impact
Messi’s decision about the 2026 World Cup carries enormous implications for his already legendary legacy in football.
Defending the World Cup Title
After finally capturing the elusive World Cup trophy in 2022, Messi has the rare opportunity to defend the title. Argentina is attempting to become the first country to win consecutive World Cups since Brazil accomplished the feat in 1962. Leading Argentina to back-to-back championships would create an almost mythical conclusion to Messi’s international career.
Cementing Historical Greatness
A sixth World Cup appearance would further solidify Messi’s place in football history. The combination of longevity, consistent excellence, and potential additional records would create an almost insurmountable legacy for future generations to match.
Luis Suarez has suggested that Messi wants not just to play in the tournament but to “give the team a title again,” indicating that Messi’s ambition extends beyond mere participation to actual championship aspirations.
What to Reasonably Expect
Given all available information, I believe several reasonable conclusions can be drawn about Messi’s potential participation in the 2026 World Cup:
- Messi himself appears genuinely undecided, preferring to evaluate his physical condition and happiness as the tournament approaches.
- His inner circle seems more confident about his participation than he has publicly expressed.
- Physical considerations, particularly injury management, will likely be the decisive factor rather than desire or motivation.
- Argentina’s football federation and coaching staff are allowing him complete freedom to make this decision without pressure.
- The historic significance of a sixth World Cup appearance provides substantial motivation for Messi to attempt participation if physically capable.
The most likely scenario appears to be that Messi will remain available for Argentina through the 2026 qualification cycle and World Cup, but with carefully managed minutes and potentially a different role than in previous tournaments.
His final decision will likely depend on his physical condition in early 2026 and Argentina’s overall team strength approaching the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How old will Lionel Messi be during the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Lionel Messi will be 39 years old during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
2. Has Messi confirmed whether he will play in the 2026 World Cup?
No, Messi has not definitively confirmed or denied his participation. He has consistently stated that he hasn’t “set any deadlines” and is focusing on his current happiness and physical condition rather than making long-term commitments.
3. What records could Messi break if he plays in the 2026 World Cup?
Messi could become the first player in football history to appear in six World Cups. Additionally, if he scores four goals in the tournament, he could become the all-time top scorer in World Cup history.
4. What has Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said about Messi’s potential participation?
Scaloni has emphasized that the decision belongs entirely to Messi, stating: “He will decide it whenever he wants, let’s not drive him crazy with this.” He has urged patience and asked that Messi be given space to make his decision.
5. Do Messi’s teammates believe he will play in 2026?
Luis Suarez, Messi’s close friend and Inter Miami teammate, has suggested that Messi has “that desire to play in next year’s World Cup,” though he clarified that Messi hasn’t explicitly confirmed this to him.
6. Has Messi’s recent form suggested he could still perform at a World Cup level?
Yes, Messi continues to demonstrate exceptional ability, including a recent hat-trick for Argentina against Bolivia in October 2024, suggesting he maintains the quality to compete at the highest level.
7. How have Messi’s recent injuries affected his potential World Cup plans?
Messi missed Argentina’s World Cup qualifying matches in March 2025 due to a groin strain, highlighting the increasing injury concerns that could influence his decision about participating in 2026.
8. Is Argentina already qualified for the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, Argentina has already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, leading the South American qualifying group by a comfortable margin.
9. Could Messi play a different role for Argentina in 2026 compared to previous World Cups?
Given his age and the need to manage his physical condition, Messi might adopt a different role in 2026, potentially playing fewer minutes or serving more as a playmaker than a consistent scoring threat.
10. What did Messi say about the 2022 World Cup being his last?
Prior to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Messi stated that it would “surely” be his last World Cup. However, his triumphant performance in that tournament and subsequent statements have left the door open for a potential appearance in 2026.
