As the 2026 FIFA World Cup USA-Canada-Mexico draws near, Lionel Messi, the Argentine star who just extended his contract with Inter Miami, still hopes to represent his national team next summer when football’s biggest tournament comes to North America, helping defend the championship. In a recent interview with Camel Live, Messi stated he will continue monitoring his physical condition before deciding whether to participate.
“Playing in the World Cup is extraordinary, and I’d love to take part,” Messi said, though he acknowledged his age—he will turn 39 next June—is a key factor.
He added: “I hope to play for Argentina in the World Cup and stay in good form. If I’m there, I think I can still help the team. When I start pre-season training with Inter Miami next year, I’ll assess my body based on daily sessions: whether I’m truly 100% fit, whether I can still contribute to the team and the country. Then I’ll decide. Obviously, I crave it badly—it’s the World Cup. We just won the 2022 Qatar World Cup; defending it would be remarkable. Playing for Argentina has always been my dream, especially in official matches.”
Messi began his professional career in 2004, making his La Liga debut for Barcelona in October at 17, becoming the club’s youngest player at the time. In 2021, due to Barcelona’s financial issues, he left the club he loved and joined Paris Saint-Germain in France. After two seasons there, he brought his unparalleled talent to the U.S., signing with MLS side Inter Miami.
“Honestly, I love everything about living here now,” Messi told Llamas when talking about his life in Miami, with the interview airing on Nightly News. “I spent so long in Barcelona—it’s an incredible city where I grew up and had countless wonderful moments. We still miss it deeply. But Miami now makes us feel at ease; we enjoy life here, live peacefully, and the kids can be themselves and enjoy every happy day.”
Though Messi achieved full honors individually and at club level early on, his peak with Argentina came late in his career at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties in the final. Messi won his second FIFA World Cup Golden Ball and was named the tournament’s best player. It was Argentina’s first World Cup title since 1986. Since 2005, he has earned 195 caps and scored 114 goals for the national team.
“That was my lifelong dream,” Messi said of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. “It was truly the only honor I lacked professionally. I’m lucky to have won everything individually and with Barcelona. I think it’s every player’s dream. Ask any player their biggest dream, and it’s undoubtedly winning the World Cup for their country.”
