Lionel Messi casts doubt over 2026 World Cup participation: 'At worst, I’ll be there watching'

Unlike previous events, the 2026 World Cup is the first tournament to feature 48 teams. This time, Argentina, the reigning champion, will fight for their 4th World Cup title, with Lionel Messi still leading the team as of 2022. But this year will be special as it'll mark his sixth World Cup.

Lionel Messi will turn 39 years old in 2026 and this could be the last World Cup appearance for both him and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, till now, Messi hasn't revealed any plans for the biggest tournament in the world. In an interview with ESPN Argentina, he shared: "I’m going to take it one day at a time; being honest, trying to be realistic and feel good. This year I felt very good".

“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”.

Messi also talked about the relationship with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni about the role he can play. "He always tells me that he’d like me to be in whatever position I’m assigned. We have a very trusting relationship, and we can talk about everything," - The captain added.

Four years after winning the World Cup in 2022, Argentina still retains a core with Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister in the midfield, the defence with Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi or Julian Alvarez as Forward. They're still considered the no.1 candidates for the tournament, alongside France, Spain and England. 

One reason Messi hasn't made a decision yet is the schedule of MLS. Unlike European leagues which run in August and end in May, MLS runs from February until December. Right after the MLS Cup final, Messi and his teammates will prepare for the 2026 season, competing in both MLS and the CONCACAF Champions League. This could be a problem for Messi if he struggles to stay fit for the tournament. 

Messi and Inter Miami will play the MLS Cup at 6.30pm on Saturday (GMT+1) against Thomas Muller's Vancouver Whitecaps. This is the first time the 38-year-old forward has reached the final in the MLS Cup since joining the team in mid 2023. In his first season, Inter Miami finished 14th and missed the playoffs, while in 2024, the team was eliminated in the first round after losing to Atlanta United.

If Messi and Inter Miami win the MLS Cup tomorrow, this will be their second title after 2023 Leagues Cup, shortly after Messi joined.