Lionel Messi gives disappointing update regarding World Cup 2026 status

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :September 5, 2025 at 5:48 PM

Modified at :September 5, 2025 at 5:48 PM

Messi unlikely to participate in 2026 World Cup.

After Argentina defeated Venezuela 3-0 in their World Cup qualifying match on Thursday at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Lionel Messi became emotional. Post-match, he was also questioned whether he would compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament the following year.

In his final official game in Argentina, Messi scored two goals and Lautaro Martínez added a third, allowing the star to leave the field in style.

“Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it”, is what Messi said when asked about competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada next summer. He also discussed why he wanted to play in the competition.

Argentina had already qualified for the 2026 World Cup and led the CONMEBOL standings going into Thursday’s encounter with 35 points in 16 games.

Lionel Messi reveals his 2026 FIFA World Cup ambitions

Lionel Messi Inter Miami Getty — Lionel Messi’s international future will mostly depend on how he feels going forward day by day (Photo via Getty Images)

Lionel Messi stated that he wants to play in the World Cup, but he will keep an eye on his body in the months before the competition to see whether it is feasible.

“Same as I said before about the World Cup that I don’t think I’ll play another. Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it,” the Inter Miami star said. “But well, we’re almost there, so I’m excited and motivated to play it. Like I always say, I go day by day, going by how I feel.”

“I’m trying to feel good and, above all, being honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it, but when I don’t, honestly, I don’t have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don’t feel good. So we’ll see. I haven’t made a decision about the World Cup.”

Messi, the most-capped player and all-time top scorer for Argentina, made his World Cup debut in 2006 at the age of 18.

He has contributed significantly to Argentina’s success on the international front, helping La Albiceleste reach the World Cup finals in 2014 before winning the most recent trophy in Qatar (2022).

Will Messi not play in the 2026 World Cup?

So far, he has hinted he won’t play in the competition next year. However, it all will come down to how he feels.

Has Messi won a World Cup?

Yes, he won the 2022 World Cup.

Will Messi play for Argentina in the next game?

He is unlikely to play against Ecuador.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.

Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.