Messi aims to defend Argentina’s World Cup title amid concerns about his age and fitness.
Lionel Messi continues to capture the attention of football fans worldwide, as he contemplates his future with the Argentina national team while proudly celebrating their recent World Cup triumph. As he approaches a pivotal moment in his illustrious career, Messi’s reflections on fitness and legacy highlight the passion underpinning his play and the vibrant spirit of international football. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the Argentinian icon is determined to evaluate his readiness for the challenge of defending his title.
Lionel Messi, still in pursuit of international accolades nearly two decades into his career, expressed his aspiration to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America, acknowledging that his age and fitness will ultimately dictate his role in defending Argentina’s title. Recently extending his contract with Major League Soccer (MLS) team Inter Miami through 2028, Messi has signaled that retirement is not imminent, even as he approaches his 39th birthday in June.
In an interview with NBC News, Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, stated that he will take time next year to assess his physical condition before solidifying his eligibility for the tournament, which will take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. He articulated the significance of this event, saying, “It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to be there.”
Messi elaborated on the importance of being in peak condition, noting, “I would like to be well, and be an important part of helping my team if I am there. 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 percent, if I can be useful, and then make a decision.” The famed athlete expressed eagerness for the challenge of defending the World Cup title, especially given the joy and fulfillment he experienced from their previous victory in Qatar.
With a remarkable career spanning over 20 years, Messi debuted with Barcelona at the age of 17 in 2004, before stints at Paris Saint-Germain and ultimately joining Inter Miami in 2023. His arrival in the American league has reignited interest in the sport across North America, a pivotal moment ahead of the next World Cup.
Despite accumulating numerous accolades and titles on both club and individual levels, Messi only realized international success in recent years, having secured the Copa América in 2021, followed by the FIFA World Cup in 2022. Reflecting on this achievement, he stated, “It was the dream of my life… it was the only thing missing at a professional level because I had been lucky enough to achieve everything at an individual level, at a team level with Barcelona.”
With an impressive record of 195 matches played and 114 goals scored for his country, a potential return for the 2026 World Cup would mark Messi’s sixth tournament appearance, solidifying his status as a central figure in football history.
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