Lionel Messi has cast doubt over whether he will be present at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to defend Argentina’s crown.
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In the early hours of Friday morning, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner played what could be his final international match on Argentinian soil. In an emotional evening at La Bombonera, Argentina defeated Venezuela 3-0, with Messi scoring a brace in either half.
After the encounter, the Albiceleste icon was asked if he would attempt to help his nation claim successive World Cup titles. The 38-year-old admitted it was unlikely if his body would allow him to continue at the highest level.
“As I’ve said before, I don’t think I’ll play another World Cup. At my age, it’s only logical to think I might not,” Messi told TyC Sports after the match.
“Day by day, I try to feel good and, above all, be honest with myself. When I feel good, I enjoy it. But when I don’t, honestly, I don’t enjoy it – and if that’s the case, I’d rather not be there.
“So we’ll see. I haven’t made a decision yet about the World Cup. Match by match, I’ll finish the season, then have preseason, and in six months, I’ll see how I feel. Hopefully I can finish this MLS season strong, have a good preseason in 2026, and then make a decision.”
Messi also reflected on the emotional farewell he received from the Buenos Aires crowd both before and after the game.
“To be able to finish this way here is what I always dreamed of – finishing with my people. For many years, I had Barcelona’s affection, and my dream was to have it here in my country as well,” he said.
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“A lot was said over the years, but I’ll keep the good moments we built with a group that tried but couldn’t win it all, until it finally happened for me and a few from my generation. Everything we lived through was beautiful.”
