Lionel Messi reveals his plans for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Messi was crowned champion of the 2022 World Cup

In an earlier interview, Lionel Messi stated that while he is willing to participate in the 2026 World Cup, he fears that his advanced age could hinder him from accomplishing so.

Messi had declared that the 2022 World Cup would be his final tournament, but based on his most recent remarks, it seems he's at least open to the notion of competing in the next one.

The following World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 3 to July 8 2026. Messi would reach the age of 39 during the competition.

“I want to arrive to the next Copa America in good condition then I will see depending on how I am”.

“I'm not thinking about the next World Cup yet. The years have passed and we have to see how I feel, I will see it day by day”,

The former Barcelona great revealed last week that he would be joining Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer when his deal with Paris Saint-Germain expires on June 30.

To finally win the one major trophy that had escaped him throughout his career, Messi had a standout performance at the tournament in Qatar.

Messi scored seven goals in seven games to become the first player since the Round of 16's introduction in 1986 to rack up goals in every round of the same World Cup.

He helped Argentina win its third World Cup title with two goals in the thrilling penalty shootout against France.

In addition, he made history by being the only player since the award's introduction in 1982 to win it twice (his first triumph came in 2014).

No footballer in existence has ever participated in six World Cups, so if Messi is able to do it in 2026, it will be a great accomplishment. Such an accomplishment would add yet another illustrious landmark to the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's incredibly remarkable career.