Lionel Messi 'would love to' feature in 2026 World Cup

The Argentine forward is keen on playing in the competition next year.

Lionel Messi is optimistic about playing in next year’s World Cup. However, he has asserted that he will only make the decision depending on his fitness level for the upcoming year.

There are high hopes from fans to see the Argentine star athlete leading the national team one last time on the grandest stage of football competition, although he will turn 39 next year.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi recently signed a new deal with Inter Miami. It will keep him at the club until 2028, which also hints that he might be determined to participate in the competition next year.

Lionel Messi reveals whether he will play in the World Cup next year

His recent remarks underline the player’s decision to try and play in the tournament hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico. After signing the new deal, he sat for an exclusive interview and revealed his ambitions of playing in the 2026 event.

“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup and I would love to. I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there.

“And I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter 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.”

Lionel Messi will turn 39 next year. If he is planning to play in the competition, he is aware that he will have to remain at his full fitness in hopes of representing the Argentina national team in South America.

Meanwhile, he has continued to deliver in the latter stages of his career and recorded 29 goals in the MLS regular season. Recently, he also scored a brace in the MLS playoffs, maintaining his fine form as he looks to lead his side to the MLS Cup this campaign.

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