Lionel Messi is closing in on his 200th cap for Argentina, but the 38-year-old is yet to confirm whether he will be available for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S.
Lionel Messi won the last World Cup with Argentina (Image: Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
Lionel Messi remains non-committal about featuring in what would be his sixth FIFA World Cup during the summer of 2026, as Argentina aims to become the first nation to win consecutive tournaments since Brazil accomplished the feat between 1958 and 1962.
Approaching his 200th cap for his country, having already earned 195 appearances and scored a record 114 goals for la Albiceleste, the soccer legend has consistently been guarded about his intentions for the upcoming tournament.
“Obviously, it’s a special World Cup. It’s special to play with the national team, and to be in other important, official competitions, especially considering what a World Cup means, and after having won it,” the Inter Miami forward, who recently made an emotional and unexpected return to the Spotify Camp Nou, told SPORT ahead of la Albiceleste’s friendly on Friday against Angola.
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“But, as I was saying, I don’t want to be a burden, so to speak. I want to feel good physically, to be sure that I can help and contribute to the group, to the squad.”
Lionel Messi highlighted that MLS operates on a very different schedule to European leagues (Image: Photo by Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The 38 year old highlighted that MLS operates on a significantly different schedule compared to European leagues, running from spring through the winter playoffs, with preseason beginning before late February kickoff, reports The Mirror.
This scheduling difference could potentially impact his readiness for a summer World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
“Our season is different from the European one. We’ll have a preseason in between, a few matches leading up to the World Cup, and we’ll see day by day if I really feel physically fit enough to be where I’d like to be and be able to participate,” Messi said.
If he maintains his fitness, Argentina would likely want Messi available for selection from a competitive standpoint (Image: Getty)
“But obviously, I’m aware that it’s a World Cup, and it’s special, and that the World Cup is the biggest competition there is. So, I’m excited, but taking it one day at a time.”
If he maintains his fitness, Argentina would likely want Messi available for selection from a competitive standpoint. Despite his age, he remains an influential force on the field.
The 2025 MLS Golden Boot champion netted 29 goals across 28 appearances, while his 16 assists jointly topped the league charts, even though he sat out six regular-season fixtures.
However, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni is ready for either scenario regarding the eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient heading into summer 2026.
Since Argentina’s Copa America Final victory over Colombia in July 2024, Messi has participated in eight out of the 14 games played (Image: Getty)
“The team is now in a moment where it can play in the same way with Leo or without Leo, which used to be more complex in the past as we had to change some players,” he said, as per Goal.
“But now we don’t have this necessity and the team works in the same way, that’s good.”
Since Argentina’s Copa America Final victory over Colombia in July 2024, Messi has participated in eight out of the 14 games played.
He started all but one game and contributed five assists and goals, demonstrating that even at his advanced age, Argentina arguably performs better under his leadership.
