Messi rejects the idea of retirement and sets one condition for participating in the 2026 World Cup.
Lionel Messi during his coronation with Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar / Globallookpress
The Argentine superstar recently extended his contract with the American club Inter Miami until 2028, indicating that he is not considering retirement yet despite turning 39 in June 2026.
Speaking to NBC News, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner said he will take some time next year to evaluate his fitness before deciding whether to participate in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
"It's amazing to be able to play in the World Cup, and I would love to do that," the Argentina captain said in the interview published Monday. "I would love to be there, healthy, and an important part of my team if I'm there. I'll evaluate that daily when I start pre-season with Inter Miami next year. I'll see if I'm 100 percent ready, if I can perform, and then I'll make the decision (to play in the World Cup)."
The former Barcelona captain and top scorer added, "I'm very excited because it's the World Cup. We won the last edition and being able to defend the title on the pitch again is amazing. Playing for the national team is always a dream."
Messi has enjoyed a career spanning more than 20 years, having made his debut for Barcelona at just 17 years old in 2004 before playing for Paris Saint-Germain and joining Inter Miami in 2023.
While Messi has won countless titles with clubs, international success eluded him until he won the 2021 Copa America before defeating France 4-2 on penalties to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Messi has played 195 international matches and scored a record 114 goals for his country.
His participation in the 2026 World Cup will be his sixth appearance in the tournament.
