Argentina’s captain, Lionel Messi, made it clear that his participation in the 2026 World Cup is still undecided. At 38 years old, the Inter Miami star explained that he evaluates “day by day” how he feels physically before making a decision about what would be his sixth appearance at a World Cup. In an interview with ESPN, he stated that 2024 was a year in which he felt “very good,” but he avoided fully committing to the tournament.

Messi highlighted that the MLS calendar could work in his favor as he prepares for the event to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Unlike European players, whose schedule is more demanding and reaches full intensity in the months leading up to the World Cup, the Argentine believes that having a strong preseason in January could make a significant difference. “For me personally, it’s going to help a lot,” he said, noting that he will have continuity both in the league and in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

The star confirmed that he remains in regular contact with head coach Lionel Scaloni, with whom he has a strong relationship. “He always tells me he’d like me to be there, in whatever role I can fill,” Messi said. And although he does not guarantee his presence, his desire remains intact: “I hope I can be there; I’d love it. And if not, I’ll experience it from the outside, but it will be special all the same.”

An intimate reflection on the present and future of the Albiceleste

During the interview, Messi also assessed the form of the Argentina national team, reigning world champions and recent leaders of the South American qualifying campaign without major difficulties. La Albiceleste finished with 12 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses in 18 matches, scoring 31 goals and conceding only 10. Messi himself was the top scorer of the cycle with 8 goals.

Despite this dominance, the generational transition remains unfinished, and the captain does not underestimate what a World Cup entails. “It’s a group that will try again, that will give everything and fight. At a World Cup, any team can cause problems,” he warned.

The Argentine also reflected on his own story while reacting to a childhood video from Rosario. “That kid juggling a ball in the backyard never imagined what he would accomplish,” he admitted emotionally. He also took the opportunity to once again praise Pep Guardiola, who coached him at FC Barcelona: “For me, he’s the best of them all. He changed the way football is played in Germany and England. He’s different.”

While the football world speculates about his eventual decision, Messi remains firm in his approach: live in the present, listen to his body and avoid rushing. Time, he says, will determine whether the captain wears Argentina’s shirt again on the sport’s biggest stage.