Argentina captain Lionel Messi has expressed his desire to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where his team will defend their 2022 title, but emphasized that his participation depends on his physical condition. The 38-year-old, who recently extended his contract with Inter Miami through 2028, plans to assess his fitness during preseason next year. In an NBC News interview, Messi described the opportunity as a dream despite his age.
Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 114 goals in 195 appearances, shared his aspirations for the upcoming tournament in an exclusive interview with NBC News' Tom Llamas. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, expanded to 48 teams and co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, represents a chance for Messi to compete in his sixth edition of the competition.
"We’re coming off winning the last World Cup and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team, especially in official competitions," Messi said. "So hopefully, God will allow me to do it once again."
Messi, who turns 39 in June 2026, acknowledged the challenges posed by his age. "I am going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start the preseason next year with Inter (Miami) and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then make a decision," he explained. Earlier, after Argentina's 3-0 victory over Venezuela in September qualifiers, Messi had expressed doubts: "Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it," but added he remains motivated and goes day by day based on how he feels.
The Argentine superstar captained his country to victory in Qatar 2022, scoring twice in the final against France and converting his penalty in the shootout. "It was the dream of my life," Messi reflected, noting it completed his professional achievements after successes with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and now Inter Miami.
At club level, Messi has transformed Inter Miami since joining in 2023, leading them to the 2023 Leagues Cup title and helping secure a 65-point Eastern Conference third seed for the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. His recent contract extension signals his commitment to the sport amid growing soccer interest in the United States ahead of the World Cup.
