I’ll be there watching it live: Lionel Messi issues worrying update about 2026 FIFA World Cup

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

Published at :December 5, 2025 at 4:46 PM

Modified at :December 5, 2025 at 4:46 PM

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

The Argentine legend is unsure about playing at the World Cup next year.

Lionel Messi has reaffirmed his desire to compete in what he believes would be a “special” 2026 World Cup held in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Messi, now 38, declared that the competition in Qatar, which Argentina eventually won, would be his final one.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has since stated that he has not yet decided whether or not to compete in the 2026 competition next summer. In September, the Inter Miami star said that he was taking things “day by day” and that his participation would depend on his level of fitness.

Lionel Messi, this time, expressed his desire to attend the 2026 competition in an interview with ESPN that was released on Thursday.

Lionel Messi on playing in the 2026 World Cup

Top 10 most searched sports events on google in Malaysia in 2024 — MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JULY 14: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with the trophy after the team’s victory during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Final match between Argentina and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium on July 15, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Lionel Messi clarified that he has spoken with Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, about potential off-field tasks if he is unable to play.

“I hope I can be there. I’ve said before that I’d love to be there,” Messi said.

“At worst, I’ll be there watching it live, but it will be special. The World Cup is special for everyone, for any country — especially for us, because we live it in a completely different way.”

Lionel Messi told ESPN there’s a chance he may not play at the 2026 World Cup, though he said he still has the desire to be there. pic.twitter.com/TCYtTgmCh4
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 4, 2025

Argentina defeated France on penalties in the final to win the 2022 World Cup. It was La Albiceleste’s first World Cup victory since 1986 and Messi’s first. Moreover, he was voted ‘Player of the Tournament’ in Qatar.

After winning the World Cup in 2022, Argentina went on to win the Copa America in 2024 – for the second time in a row. Argentina will have a “great group” of players in 2026 who will “fight” to win the championship, Messi continued.

Argentina’s captain, the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star, holds the record for both appearances (196) and goals scored (115) for his national team.

Will Lionel Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?

He said he will see if he is fit enough to play in the competition.

Has Messi won a World Cup?

Yes, he won the 2022 World Cup.

What if Messi doesn’t play in the 2026 WC?

The 2022 winning captain himself said, “At worst, I’ll be there watching it live, but it will be special.”

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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.