MIAMI — Argentina striker Lionel Messi has not closed the door on a potential appearance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite casting doubt on a return following the 2022 World Cup win, the Inter Miami star suggested he was still undecided in an exclusive interview with soccer insider Fabrizio Romano for 433.
“I don’t know [if I will play in the 2026 World Cup],” Messi said to Romano with a chuckle. “They ask me a lot, especially in Argentina. I hope to finish this year well, and start the year having a good preseason, which I didn’t have last year due to all the trips we had.”
“From there, I will have to see how I am doing and feeling. In football, a lot of things can happen,” he added. “There is still a long way to go, so I’m not thinking too much about it. I’m going to live day to day without thinking too much about the future.”
Messi’s MLS club, Inter Miami, were selected to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, which is also being hosted in the United States.
Messi and Argentina also won the 2024 Copa America in a 1-0 win over Colombia, which was played in Miami.
The 2026 World Cup will begin on June 11, 2026 and the final at MetLife Stadium will be held on July 19, 2026.
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