By Sport Analyst
Emmanuel Afonja
Football legend Lionel Messi has opened up about his chances of representing Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying he will only take part if he feels physically and mentally ready to contribute.
Speaking in an interview cited by Sport, the 2022 World Cup champion said that featuring in another World Cup would be a special experience, but he will not make the decision out of emotion.
“It’s a special World Cup; playing with the national team in big competitions is always special — even more so after winning the last one,” Messi said.
The Inter Miami forward emphasized that he doesn’t want to hold the team back or take up space if he is not at his best.
“As I’ve said before, I don’t want to be a burden. I want to feel fit, be sure I can help the group, and truly contribute to the team,” he added.
Messi also acknowledged that the Major League Soccer (MLS) schedule differs from Europe’s, which could affect his readiness ahead of the 2026 tournament, set to take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
“Our season here is different from Europe’s. We’ll have preseason in between, few games before the World Cup, so I’ll evaluate how I feel physically and whether I’m in the condition I need to be in,” he said.
Turning 39 during the 2026 World Cup, Messi has not ruled out participation but made it clear that his final decision will depend on his fitness and form at the time.
“Time will tell. I’ll see how my body responds and whether I can still perform at the highest level,” he concluded.
If Messi decides to play, he could make history as the first player to appear in six World Cups, further solidifying his legacy as one of football’s greatest icons.
