Will Lionel Messi play at the 2026 World Cup? Argentina, Inter Miami star's plans for FIFA tournament
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Will Lionel Messi play at the 2026 World Cup? Argentina, Inter Miami star's plans for FIFA tournament originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The presence of Lionel Messi was utterly essential to Argentina's triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and while it's likely he will be on hand to help the Albiceleste to defend their title, he is not yet a confirmed presence at the tournament.
After playing what will likely be the final competitive home match of his international career, Messi cut an emotional figure on the field in Buenos Aires following Argentina's 3-0 victory over Venezuela in October 2025.
With the World Cup to be played across North America, where Messi currently calls home, eyes will be on his every move in the run-up to the tournament and during the competition.
The Sporting News details the latest as Messi nears the end of his unforgettable playing career.
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Will Lionel Messi play at the 2026 World Cup?
It's largely expected that Messi will play in the World Cup before retiring from international competition. However, Messi cast some doubt over his participation in the tournament when speaking in September 2025.
"Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won't make it," Messi said after scoring twice in a World Cup qualifier against Venezuela. "But we're almost there, so I'm excited and motivated to play it.
"Like I always say, I go day by day, match by match, going by how I feel. Day by day, trying to feel good and above all, being honest with myself.
"When I feel good, I enjoy it. But when I don't, honestly, I don't have a good time, so I prefer not to be there if I don't feel good. So, we'll see. I haven't made a decision about the World Cup. Match by match, I'll finish the [MLS] season, then I'll have preseason, and there will be six months left. So, we'll see how I feel.
"Hopefully, I'll have a good preseason in 2026, and finish this MLS season well, and then I'll decide."
Prior to the 2-1 friendly victory over Mauritania at La Bombonera on March 27, where Messi came off the bench at halftime to a rousing reception, head coach Lionel Scaloni said his captain had yet to 100% commit to playing at the World Cup.
"That's a question more for him," Scaloni told ESPN. "As far as I'm concerned, you already know where I stand. I'll do everything I can to make sure he's there. I believe that, for the sake of football, he has to be there. It's not me who decides. It's up to him, his state of mind, his physical condition. It's difficult because it is not just the Argentinians who want to see him; everyone wants to see him."
Scaloni added: "I want him to be there. It's up to him to decide. He's earned the right to make that decision with peace of mind. We're in no rush about it. We know whatever he decides will be best for the team and for him. We hope he will be there."
Argentina
When will Lionel Messi retire from international football?
It's believed that Messi will retire from Argentina duty after the 2026 World Cup.
Messi confirmed that the 3-0 victory over Venezuela on September 4 was his final competitive international fixture on home soil. The 38-year-old was emotional after the match, with his entire family in attendance.
"There are so many emotions, I've experienced so many things on this field," Messi said after the game at Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires. "It's always a joy to play in Argentina with our people. We've been enjoying match after match for many years. I'm very happy; being able to finish in this way here is what I always dreamed of."
The game served not only as his final competitive fixture on home soil, but also his last World Cup qualifier. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Messi would be rested for the subsequent road game at Ecuador, with the team having already confirmed its place atop the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings.
However, it is highly likely that Messi will play in at least one international friendly after the World Cup concludes, allowing him to receive a proper send-off for his greatness on the international level.